Our Response to Coronavirus

Outer Banks Coronavirus Response

We took additional measures to make sure our valued guests and extended Twiddy family were well taken care of throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, we were able to navigate through the unprecedented event. This page was used during 2020 and 2021 to outline Outer Banks coronavirus updates, both from Twiddy and the state of North Carolina, throughout the pandemic.

Committed to Safety

The safety and wellbeing of our guests are always a top priority, and the cleanliness of our homes is something we take very seriously. We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness by using cleaning products widely used in the vacation rental industry.

Housekeeping

Our housekeeping crews are thoroughly trained before preparing any homes.
Our housekeeping supervision team works in the field to help ensure proper practices are being followed.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we supplied cleaning crews and staff with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
We took additional precautions such as more targeted disinfecting of high touch/high traffic surfaces including tables, faucets, and doorknobs.
We continue to utilize products that are EPA-approved for use against the virus that causes COVID-19.
Bed sheets and bath towels are always provided by a state of the art commercial laundry facility.
Pools and hot tubs continue to be cleaned and have the chemicals balanced between guests.

Check our Frequently Asked Questions for answers to popular cleaning questions.

Field Services

Our Field Technicians continue to assist in preparing homes for arrival, as well as handle various maintenance concerns that may arise during your stay.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Field Technicians wore necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when entering homes.
Maintenance issues are addressed by our Field Technicians with as little interruption to your stay as possible.

Enjoy the Outer Banks from Home

We know that taking a vacation is important and, let's be honest, we could all use one right about now. Until you can visit in person again, we have put together a collection of videos, blogs, and more help you relax and soak in the sights and sounds of the Outer Banks right from home.

Serenity Videos

Live Beach Webcam

Sunrise on the OBX

COMING SOON

View COVID-19 FAQ/Bulletins from 2020-2021

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleaning & Safety Measures

What steps are your cleaners taking and what products are you using in the homes?

We’re committed to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness by using CDC-recommended and EPA-approved products to clean our homes. We’re ensuring that our house cleaners continue to pay special attention to frequently touched surfaces including tables, faucets, railings, and doorknobs. The safety and well-being of our guests are a top priority and the cleanliness of our homes is something we take very seriously.

Our Field Supervisors perform routine quality assurance audits to ensure that cleaning and inspection processes are followed. For reservations that include linens, beds will be made with fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillow cases only. In an effort to limit contact with your bedding, other bedding will be placed in the closet of the bedroom, including extra pillows, shams, comforters and blankets.Click here to learn more about our cleaning procedures in response to COVID-19.Click here to learn more about our cleaning procedures in response to COVID-19.

Are the warmth layers, such as blankets, on the beds washed weekly?

Blankets are not laundered weekly, however, you are welcome to use the washer and dryer at the home if you would like to launder blankets prior to using. Please know not all blankets will fit in the machines.

Are my sheets clean? Did someone touch them?

Sheets and towels are laundered in a highly automated and sophisticated commercial laundry facility, where they are wrapped in plastic immediately after laundering. Beds are made by our housekeepers who are instructed on proper handling of laundry.

Can COVID-19 be transmitted in a pool or hot tub?

Pools and hot tubs are cleaned and chemically treated prior to each guest's arrival, as well as a midweek chemical check. The CDC has stated there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to humans through the use of pools, hot tubs or spas, or water playgrounds. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (e.g., with chlorine and bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should inactivate the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

Will Twiddy staff wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when entering occupied vacation homes?

Clean face masks (either cloth or disposable surgical type) and gloves must be worn by employees while inside of homes and while interacting with guests, owners, or vendors outside of the office. In addition, Employees may not enter occupied homes until the guests have relocated to a separate, distant area within or outside of the home.

When You Get Here

What if my group staying in the home is larger than 10 people? Is this against social distancing rules?

Gathering requirements do not apply to occupants of vacation homes. We recommend all guests practice good hygiene, wear face coverings, and social distance when possible.

Are Outer Banks beaches open? If so, are there any restrictions?

Yes, Outer Banks beaches are open! Beaches are being monitored to ensure that beachgoers are following the Governor's social distancing guidelines following COVID-19 reopening. Click here for the latest information on North Carolina state guidelines.

Is the Outer Banks in short supply of anything?

Currently we are not experiencing widespread shortages of groceries on the Outer Banks. However, like many places in the United States, all shoppers should expect to see changes in product availability at grocery and retail outlets as supply chain demand fluctuates across the nation. If possible, visitors should bring essentials with them, including paper and sanitizing products and non-perishable groceries.

What is open on the Outer Banks? Which phase of reopening is North Carolina in?

Outer Banks businesses must follow NC state guidelines. Face coverings are currently required in indoor and outdoor public spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Please support our local businesses! In addition to their dining rooms, local restaurants are also offering takeout, even ones that do not normally offer these services. Whether dining in or carrying out, we suggest calling ahead or checking their Facebook pages/websites for more information.

Will community amenities be available for use?

Community amenities, if any, may be unavailable or have limited availability for your stay in accordance with NC Governor Roy Cooper's COVID-19 Executive Orders.

Access & Reservation Questions

When did the travel restrictions lift and the Outer Banks reopen?

Following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus and growing concerns for the community, local officials made the decision to restrict entry to the Outer Banks to residents only beginning in March 2020. Re-entry for visitors to the Outer Banks began on Saturday, May 16th at 12:01 AM. Click here for more information from Dare County.

Am I allowed to book a new reservation?

Yes! We are currently accepting new reservations from May 16th onward. The easiest and quickest way to book is to book online. We are also available by texting (252) 888-2598. Click here to start your search!

What are my options if I do not plan on coming on my vacation?

We would love the opportunity to try and find a solution that works for your group and the homeowner. These are the steps to take, in order:

Begin the re-market process in an attempt to get the home/week re-rented. We have already seen an influx of guests who are interested in booking an Outer Banks vacation
If you have purchased travel insurance, start the claim process. If you have questions, contact Generali Global Assistance at 866-999-4018 and reference plan code G-332CSA.
If the re-market process and/or travel insurance claim is unsuccessful, you may be able to reschedule your vacation for a future week(s) in the same house pending owner approval.

If your arrival date is prior to 5/16/2020, your reservation is affected by the Outer Banks bridge closure and you are eligible for a refund. If you prefer to switch your travel dates instead of the refund, please contact our office.

What is the Twiddy & Company cancellation/refund policy in response to COVID-19?

Given the unique and rapidly changing nature of this situation, we are handling each reservation individually. We understand one solution may not work for everyone. Rest assured we are doing our best to help each and every guest as we all navigate these uncharted waters together.

If your arrival date was before 5/16/2020, your reservation is affected by restricted access to the Outer Banks. You will receive a refund of all monies paid. The refund will include the rental fee, home service fee, taxes, and travel insurance (if purchased), and will be processed on the Monday following the last day of your scheduled vacation.

If you prefer to reschedule your vacation for a future week(s) in the same house instead of a refund, please contact our office.

Am I covered by travel insurance?

Since we are not licensed insurance agents, and due to the unique nature of this situation, all travel insurance-related questions should be directed to Generali Global Assistance 866-999-4018. Please reference plan code G-332CSA. We also encourage you to read Generali’s position statement regarding COVID-19 coverage.

My affected reservation dates have passed and I opted for a refund. When will I receive it?

The refund is processed once the departure date has passed. Refunds include all monies paid for the vacation including the rental fee, home service fee, taxes, and travel insurance (if applicable).

All monies will be returned to the leaseholder and any additional payers via the method of the original payment. If the rental amount was paid electronically, via credit card or eCheck, the refund will be processed through our third-party processor. If the original payment was via paper check, monies will be returned via paper check.

Our team is working hard to process all refunds within 15-30 days of the departure date. However, it may take additional time for the financial institutions to finalize the refund and post to your credit card account or deposit to your bank account.

If the Outer Banks bridge restrictions were to happen again at a later date, would I get refunded?

If we are unable to provide you with the home during your lease dates due to our bridge restrictions you may be eligible for a refund.

Additional Resources

Local County Websites

Please monitor these official resources

Travel Insurance Information

Please contact Generali Global Assistance directly

Latest Outer Banks Coronavirus Updates

Bulletin #24: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friday, July 30, 2021 9:56 AM

The Governor of North Carolina has issued a new Executive Order which includes a recommendation that everyone wears masks indoors. This is currently only a suggestion and there are no new or additional mandates in place on the Outer Banks at this time. Read the full Executive Order

Please visit the Dare County website for more details and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 regulations on the Outer Banks specifically.

Bulletin #23: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Friday, May 14, 2021 3:26 PM

The Governor of North Carolina lifted all mandatory capacity and gathering limits, physical social distancing requirements, and many of the mandatory mask requirements. Read the full Executive Order

Please visit the Dare County website for more details and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 regulations on the Outer Banks specifically.

Bulletin #22: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Thursday, April 29, 2021 4:50 PM

Effective this Friday, April 30, 2021, the Governor of North Carolina will continue the phased approach of easing of certain COVID-19 restrictions. Particularly, indoor gathering limits have increased to 100, and outdoor limits have increased to 200. Read the full Executive Order

Please visit the Dare County website for more details and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 regulations on the Outer Banks specifically.

Bulletin #21: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 2:33 PM

Effective this Friday, March 26, 2021, the Governor of North Carolina will continue the phased approach of easing of certain COVID-19 restrictions. Face coverings will still be required in indoor and outdoor spaces where social distancing cannot be maintained.

Please visit the Dare County website for more details and answers to frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 regulations on the Outer Banks specifically.

Bulletin #20: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Tuesday, December 8, 2020 4:00 PM

The Governor of North Carolina has issued a modified stay at home order effective Friday, December 11, 2020 at 5:00 pm through January 8, 2021 at 5:00 pm, unless otherwise modified or extended.

Executive Order 181 implements a modified stay at home order. The Order also extends the capacity limitations, indoor and outdoor gathering limits, and other public health restrictions put in place under previous executive orders.