April 10, 2020

COVID-19 Update #23

Effective today, Tri-County Conference Calls will move to a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule. The Town will provide COVID-19 updates on those days unless new information or breaking news becomes available.

As a reminder, all the island’s entities are working together as a part of the Kiawah Island Emergency Management team and are in ongoing communication regarding response in the community.

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

Latest Statistics (As of April 9, 2020 11:59 p.m.):

Expect a lag time between when the data reported below is updated on DHEC’s testing site.

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

Statewide Positive Cases: 3065

Charleston County Positive Cases: 328 (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: Last report available here (DHEC has changed zip code reporting to include additional information and it will be updated once daily on their site.)

DHEC Testing Site: Available Here (updated once daily)

Governor McMaster’s Stay-at-Home Order

South Carolina is under a stay-at-home or work executive order issued by Governor McMaster requiring residents and visitors to stay at home or work, unless visiting family, exercising, or obtaining essential goods or services. Learn more

Kiawah’s Emergency Ordinance

The Town is currently operating under Emergency Ordinances 2020-01 and 2020-02. Please be advised of the below amendments to Emergency Ordinance 2020-02 passed on Wednesday, April 8.

Short-Term and Current Rentals: Town Council extended 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. More information

Self-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.

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. Learn more

Prevention Measures 

To control spread of this disease, we must continue to practice the recommended guidelines issued by DHEC and the CDC.

• Maintain 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. Reminder: The Freshfields store occupancy will be limited to 78 customers (20% occupancy).Patrons could be asked to wait outside if the store is at capacity or if there is more than one shopper per family.

To Go Options

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