April 07, 2020

COVID-19 Update #20

Update from the Tri-County Conference Call: New information and updated data is provided below.

As of noon on April 7, 2020:

• Pandemic Interval: Acceleration phase with the peak at the end of April.
• Statewide Positive Cases: 2417
• Charleston County Positive Cases: 305 (Cases are reported based on county of residence.Totals may fluctuate daily as further investigation reclassifies cases from one county to another)
• 29455 (Kiawah, Seabrook, Johns Island) Positive Cases: 11 (DHEC only provides zip code specific data for a two week time period – 3/22/2020 to 4/6/2020)
• Projections for potential new cases are available here.
• DHEC updates their testing site once a day.

Governor McMaster’s Executive Order

Yesterday, Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-21 requiring residents and visitors in South Carolina to stay at home or work, unless visiting family, exercising, or obtaining essential goods or services. Additionally, the Governor ordered all retail business still operating to limit customer activity by only allowing five customers per 1000 square feet or 20% of their posted capacity in a store, whichever is less. The order goes into effect today, Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m.

Understandably, the Town has received questions from residents seeking further guidance on how this order will affect the island and the beach. Town Council will discuss implementation of the Executive Order during their virtual meeting at 2 p.m. today. The public can watch the meeting on the Town’s YouTube page here.

The Town will provide an update later this evening.

Sign Up for Smart911

Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch is strongly encouraging the community to sign up for the Smart911 national safety profile registry. It is a free service that allows individuals and families to provide critical medical information to 9-1-1 and first responders. Creating this profile provides first responders critical information prior to arriving on the scene of an emergency call.

Individuals can create a Smart911 Safety Profile for their household at www.smart911.com or on the Smart911 App that provides medical information for those who may be at higher risk of developing a serious illness from the COVID-19 virus. Learn More

Prevention Measures 

To control spread of this disease, we must continue to practice the recommended guidelines. Practice social distancing remaining at least six feet away from other people. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Use cloth face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). The use of face coverings is a voluntary public health measure. Click here to learn how you can create one from common materials found in your home.

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.

Short-term Rental Restrictions In Effect

Through May 15, 2020, no new short-term rental check-ins are permitted. Homeowners making personal use of their property are exempt. More information on the emergency ordinance Town Council passed 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.

Essentials

Groceries

The Resort grocery service is available for curbside pick-up only.

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 and only send one person from your family into the store.

To Go Options 

Local restaurants are offering curbside pickup including theResort’s Town Center Market, Freshfields Village and several at Bohicket Marina.

Prescriptions

Essential prescription delivery is available on Tuesdays and Fridays for high risk or homebound individuals on Kiawah. All orders will be screened by Vincent’s Pharmacy to ensure they qualify. Call Vincent’s Pharmacy (843-243-0007) for more information.

Island Operations

Island entities continue to modify services and hours in response to COVID-19. Check for updates below.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort (KIGR)

Freshfields Village

Architectural Review Board (ARB)

Kiawah Island Club

Kiawah Island Utility (KIU)

*Note: KICA has announced they are extending the closure of The Sandcastle and Beachwalker Center administrative offices from Sunday, April 12 to Sunday, April 26.

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.

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.