March 27, 2020

COVID-19 Update #12

Governor McMaster’s Executive Order

Today, Governor McMaster made an Executive Order requiring anyone that travels to South Carolina from the following locations to self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days effective immediately:

• New York
• New Jersey 
• Connecticut 
• City of New Orleans  

Failure to comply carries a criminal penalty. A copy of the Executive Order is available here.

COVID-19 Update #12

Below are updates from the Tri-County conference call with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department, which includes DHEC representatives, local medical representatives and state emergency management officials:

DHEC has stated that South Carolina is in the acceleration phase of the epidemic and that additional testing will naturally lead to more cases being reported. The number of cases in South Carolina has increased, and more cases are expected.

New DHEC Reports

• Data on COVID-19 positive cases based on zip code is provided here (29455 includes Kiawah Island, Johns Island, Seabrook Island, and Wadmalaw Island)
• Data on projections are available here
• Data on demographics is available here under the reporting map

The Town continues to stress the importance of following guidance from local public health experts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our best defense is to follow the recommended personal hygiene and social distancing guidelines urged by DHEC and CDC.

New Information 

• Harris Teeter has a new policy that customers who bring in their own reusable bags will have to bag their own groceries. The company has implemented this policy so associates do not have to handle reusable bags.
• Only send one member of your family or group into the store, and make every effort to stay 6 ft apart from other shoppers in aisles. Please try to reduce shopping trips to once a week.

Update Reminders

• The Town has compiled a list of virtual attractions and events to enjoy while practicing social distancing.
• A copy of this educational flyer is being distributed at the main gate to non-property owner guests.
• All the island entities are working together as a part of the Kiawah Island Emergency Management team and are in ongoing communication regarding response in the community.
• Town Council passed a moratorium prohibiting short-term rental license holders from accepting new reservations for a short-term rental stays (defined as less than 30 consecutive days) with check in days from March 25 through April 15, 2020. More information
• Kiawah Island Beach Patrol is monitoring the beach and regulating public congregation guidelines as well as enforcing all Town ordinances. Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Code Enforcement are present on the island and are regulating public congregation guidelines as well as enforcing all Town ordinances. Violators will be ticketed.
• Anyone experiencing problems with rental properties or ordinance violations should report them to the 24-hour hotline at 843-259-2137 or through the online submittal form.
• Beachwalker County Park is closed until further notice.
• Harris Teeter is offering senior hours for individuals 60 years and older every Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m.– 7 a.m. Senior discounts will only be applied on Thursday, as usual. Patrons should designate one person in your party to grocery shop alone to help limit the number of shoppers in the store. Current hours of operation are from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
• The Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Kiawah Partners have made changes to their operations. KIGR temporarily closed all operations at The Sanctuary (indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, spa) with plans to reopen on April 6. KP temporarily closed the pools and pool decks at The Beach Club, The Marsh House, and The Sports Pavilion.
• Municipal Center lobby hours have been suspended. Staff remains available during regular business hours Monday – Friday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) but operations will largely be conducted virtually. Phones are being monitored and transferred to staff that are working remotely. More information
• Kiawah Island Utility’s office is closed to walk-in traffic. Staff is operating on flex scheduling.
• Freshfields Village merchant and restaurant operations will be updated here.
• The Charleston County Citizens Information Line is operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 843–746–3900.
• The Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy is available at 843-724-1212. Residents can call the 24-hour answering service to arrange to speak to the Chaplain on duty.
• FEMA has set up a website for Coronavirus Rumor Control and it is available here.

Residents can expect the next communication tomorrow by 5 p.m.If there is breaking news, we will release that information before our scheduled communication.

Dining and Grocery Delivery

Information on local restaurants offering delivery, curbside pickup, or grocery delivery service is available here.

Medical Notice