South Carolinians Aged 65 and Older Can Schedule COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Beginning Monday, February 8
On February 3, Governor McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that beginning Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can begin scheduling their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Read the entire press release here.
With increased vaccine allocations from the federal government and a streamlined, statewide vaccination plan, it is now appropriate to expand the number of South Carolinians eligible to receive vaccine. However, supply of the vaccine remains limited for the time being.
Additional steps to expedite access to additional South Carolinians – including teachers and others in Phase 1b – will be made based on the use of the vaccine, the number of appointments made, and other information on vaccine supply.
What to Know
- Beginning Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident who is at least 65 years old can schedule their appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
- The risk for severe illness from COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults at the highest risk.
- Residents will be asked to provide a driver’s license or other form of ID at their appointment that confirms their age and, therefore, their eligibility to receive vaccine.
- South Carolinians eligible to receive vaccine can schedule an appointment at a location accepting COVID-19 vaccine appointments. The scdhec.gov/vaxlocator can be used to find those locations and get contact information for scheduling appointments at those locations. People can also call DHEC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line at 1-866-365-8110 for help finding vaccine providers and their contact information to schedule an appointment.
- COVID-19 is still at high levels in South Carolina. Wear a face mask, stay six feet away from others, avoid crowds, and get tested often.
Emergency Ordinance
On February 2, 2020, Town Council passed Emergency Ordinance 2021- 02, extending existing requirements, including face coverings and other emergency restrictions, to address COVID-19 until March 2, 2021. Violators of any provision will be subject to a fine of up to $100.00 plus required statutory assessments.
Face Coverings:
- Required for all persons, including employees, entering or waiting to enter any restaurant (including persons waiting to pick up a carryout order), business, club, or association facility at all times
- Exceptions, such as those for health, age, and activity are listed in the Ordinance
- Businesses and restaurants are responsible for enforcing this Emergency Ordinance with regard only to their employees and conspicuously posting the information for guests and employees
Additional Emergency Restrictions:
The Town adopts all Emergency Orders as amended issued by the State of South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster related to the coronavirus, including Governor’s Executive Order 2020-73.
All restaurants and other establishments that possess a state permit to sell alcohol must comply with the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-73 which enacts the following mandatory restrictions:
- The sale or consumption of beer, wine, or alcoholic liquor is prohibited between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. (sale for off-premises consumption is not covered by this restriction);
- Employees and patrons must wear masks or face coverings;
In addition, the Town also requires that restaurants comply with the following restrictions:
- Diners must be seated six (6) feet away from diners at other tables; and
- Restaurants must seat no more than 8 customers per table unless from the same family; and
- Restaurants must not allow standing or congregating in the bar area of restaurant.
Other types of businesses, facilities, venues, events, or mass gatherings are permitted to open but are required to implement AccelerateSC guidelines which include:
- Attendance may not exceed 50% of their occupancy limit – or 250 persons – whichever is less;
- Require wearing face coverings as a condition of admission or participation;
- Enact social distancing, cleaning, and hygiene practices recommended by AccelerateSC; and
- End the sale of alcohol at 11:00 p.m.
All essential businesses originally covered by the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21, Section 1(I) must comply with occupancy rate, social distancing practices, and sanitation requirements included in the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21, Section 1(I), which includes the following restrictions
- Limit the number of customers not to exceed five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or twenty percent (20%) of the occupancy limit as determined by the fire marshal, whichever is less.
- Not allow patrons to congregate within six (6) feet of one another, exclusive of family units.
- Comply with sanitation guidelines promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health officials.
The Emergency Ordinance is available in its entirety here.