March 13, 2020

Coronavirus / COVID – 19 Update #2

Today, the Kiawah Emergency Management Committee, which includes representatives from each island entity, participated in the Tri-County conference call with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, regarding the impact of Coronavirus/COVID-19.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is closely monitoring the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and the number of confirmed cases in the state remain low. The one confirmed case in Charleston County has been contained and DHEC believes no active community spread has occurred. To our knowledge, there are no cases on Kiawah or Seabrook.

At this time, DHEC has not advised any event cancellations, closures, or the need for social distancing in our region. They will continue to closely monitor and respond accordingly. Please be aware there could be different messaging distributed in the media that is intended for areas that have active community spread.

The Town is proceeding with the scheduled Arts and Cultural Events program, but we are evaluating the availability of our performers, if there is a change affecting any event, we will communicate that promptly. For all public events, use good judgment about your participation, opt not to attend if you are ill, or fall into a medically vulnerable category and use the recommended hygiene precautions.

If you develop any of the symptoms associated with the virus (fever, cough, shortness of breath) or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your primary care physician first or use virtual care services.

The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is providing virtual care COVID-19 screenings, which can be accessed here. Use code COVID19 when you log in. MUSC has set up a drive-through test site at Citadel Mall. The public cannot voluntarily show up at this site without a referral from their virtual care service. Roper St. Francis Healthcare is also offering virtual care screenings between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Learn more

Best heath practices to prevent and avoid the spread of respiratory diseases include:

• Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer.
• Cover your cough and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects regularly with these recommendeddisinfectant products.
• Avoid close contact with people who show signs of a respiratory illness.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• The CDC does not suggest people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

For general questions about COVID-19, the DHEC Care Line is available at 1-855-472-3432 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Be mindful to only rely on emergency management officials and credible organizations for information. The Town will continue to monitor and communicate as necessary. More information can be found on the CDC website.