March 31, 2020
COVID-19 Update #15
Update from the Tri-County Conference Call:
There is no new information to report. DHEC has indicated that South Carolina is in the acceleration phase of the epidemic and additional testing will lead to more cases being reported. DHEC updates their testing site once a day.
As of this morning:
- Statewide Positive Cases: 1083
- Charleston County Positive Cases: 140
- 29455 (Kiawah, Seabrook, Johns Island) Positive Cases: 7
Public Access to Beaches
Yesterday, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-16, which orders the closure of all public access points to the state’s beaches, as well as closure of all public boat ramps, landings and other access points on the state’s lakes, rivers and waterways.
The order does not impact the rights of private property owners living on beaches, lakes, rivers, or waterways in any way. The only public access for Kiawah is Beachwalker County Park which remains closed.
Press Conference Today
Governor McMaster will hold a press conference today at 4 p.m. It will broadcast on www.scemd.org.
Residents can expect the next update tomorrow by 5 p.m. If there is breaking news, we will release that information before our scheduled communication.
Town Council Special Call Meeting
Yesterday afternoon, Town Council held a special call meeting and passed an amended emergency ordinance regarding short-term rentals, the advertising of rentals, and social gatherings.
More information on the emergency procedures that were adopted and remain in effect until May 22, 2020 is available here.
Quarantine Information
Governor McMaster’s Executive Order requires self-quarantine for individuals entering South Carolina from high-risk areas with substantial community spread (states of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the City of New Orleans, Louisiana) for a period of fourteen (14) days. This is a mandatory requirement; it is not a guideline or suggestion.Violation of the order risks a fine of up to $100 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. More information on self-quarantine is available here.
Services
- Essential prescription delivery is available on Tuesdays and Fridays for high risk or homebound individuals on Kiawah Island. All orders will be screened by Vincent’s Pharmacy to ensure they qualify. Call Vincent’s Pharmacy (843-243-0007) for more information.
- Harris Teeter is offering senior hours for individuals 60 years and older every Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m.– 8 a.m. Please try to reduce shopping trips to once a week.
Enforcement
Beach Patrol, Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Code Enforcement are present on the island and are regulating public congregation and enforcing all Town ordinances. Violators will be ticketed. Anyone can report a problem to the 24-hour hotline at 843-259-2137 or through the online submittal form. In an emergency, dial 911.
Dining and Grocery Delivery
Grocery Delivery
The Resort is offering grocery delivery service.
To Go Options
Local restaurants are offering delivery or curbside pickup including the resort restaurants, Freshfields Village and several at Bohicket Marina.
Medical Notice
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.
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.
Additional Resources
Charleston County Citizens Information Line
843-746-3900
SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line
855-472-3432
FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control Website
Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy
843-724-1212
Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Non-Emergency
843-202-1700