April 08, 2020

COVID-19 Update #21

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

As of noon on April 8, 2020:

Pandemic Interval: Acceleration phase with the peak at the end of April.

Statewide Positive Cases: 2552

Charleston County Positive Cases: 308 (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: 10 (DHEC only provides zip code specific data for a two week time period – 3/24/2020 to 4/7/2020)

Projections for potential new cases: Available Here

DHEC Testing Site: Available Here (updated once daily)

Island Impacts of Governor McMaster’s Stay-at-Home Order

On Monday, April 6 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 went into effect yesterday, Tuesday, April 7 at 5 p.m.

In response to this order, Town Council passed an amendment to Emergency Ordinance 2020-02 in a special call meeting today. The following changes to island operations will be implemented as a result:

Short-Term Rentals and Current Rentals: Town Council voted to extend the definition of Short-term Rental (STR) from thirty (30) days to ninety (90) days. No new check-ins or reservations are permitted at any STR or any other rental of less than ninety (90) days from April 4 until May 15. Guests currently checked in may remain at the same property under the same terms of the existing rental agreement or lease.

Beach Use & Access: Commercial businesses providing services on the beach, such as but not limited to beach chair and umbrella rentals and setups, are suspended for thirty (30) days effective, Thursday, April 9, 2020, at 5 p.m. During this time, beach chair and umbrella setup will not be available on the beach but providers may deliver sets to residences. There are no other changes to operations on the beach.

Retail Stores: Town Council voted that in addition to open retail establishments limiting customers in store pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order, stores must also limit customers entering the retail establishment to a single person per family or group at a time, except for shoppers with small children when no other adult is present, and persons who, for medical reasons, require assistance.

The entire ordinance is available here.

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.

Harris Teeter Operational Update

Harris Teeter has implemented the adoption of customer capacity limits. The Freshfields store determined their occupancy will be limited to 78 customers (20% occupancy). Staff will monitor occupancy and limit customers to a single shopper per family or group at a time, except for shoppers with small children when no other adult is present, and persons who, for medical reasons, require assistance.

Patrons could be asked to wait outside if the store is at capacity or if there is more than one shopper per family. Charleston County Sheriff’s Deputies or Code Enforcement Officers may be on scene to aid in the process.

New customer capacity limits join other measures the retailer is establishing to promote physical distancing, including the addition of plexiglass partitions and educational floor decals and airing of healthy habits messages via in-store radio.

Quarantine & Enforcement

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 no more than 30 days. More information on self-quarantine is available here.

Enforcement is delegated to law enforcement, which is Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. If you reasonably believe there is a noncompliance issue, contact Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (Non-Emergency) at 843-202-1700.

The Governor’s order does not prohibit entry to the Town of Kiawah Island nor prohibit persons from the affected locations from residing in the Town as long as they comply with the requirement to self-quarantine. The order does not require such person to self-identify themselves or register with the Town or any other entity.

The Town continues to work with the Community Association in monitoring and enforcing rentals 90 days or less. Also, a public information flyer is being distributed to renters and guests by KICA with information from the Governor’s Executive Order that requires individuals entering South Carolina from high-risk areas (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut and the City of New Orleans) for fourteen (14) days.

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.

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)

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.