March 28, 2020
COVID-19 Update #13
There is nothing new to report.
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.
DHEC Reports
- Data on COVID-19 positive cases by zipcode will be updated on their testing site available here under the reporting map. (29455 includes Kiawah Island, Johns Island, Seabrook Island)
- Data on projections are available here
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.
Short-term Rental Notice
The Town’s recently passed ordinance regarding short-term rentals will not be lifted. It specifically prohibits short-term rental license holders from accepting new reservations for short-term rental stays (defined as less than 30 consecutive days) with check in days from March 25 through April 15, 2020.
The ordinance does not apply to existing reservations or extension of existing reservations. Rental properties are currently not prohibited from accepting new reservations after April 15, 2020, but were instructed to make patrons aware that any reservation made after April 15 could be subject to cancellation if the ordinance is extended.
Any property found in violation of the short-term rental moratorium (Municipal Code Ordinance Section 14-507), will be subject to fines or suspension of their rental license.
Update Reminders
- 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.
- 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.Harris Teeter has a new policy that customers who bring in their own reusable bags will have to bag their own groceries 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.
- 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
- 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 Monday, March 30 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
Current data shows, older adults who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions (heart or lung disease or diabetes) are at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19.
Individuals that fall into this group should contact their healthcare provider early, even if they are experiencing mild symptoms.
- 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.