April 20, 2020

COVID-19 Update #27

Updates from the Tri-County Conference Call:

Governor McMaster’s office has announced their intent this week to open public access to beaches and allow retail stores to reopen as long as the retailer can regulate social distancing. More specific information may be released in the Governor’s press conference today at 4 p.m. It will be broadcast on www.scemd.org.

Local governments can make their own restrictions on beach access. Edisto Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Folly Beach, and Charleston County Parks have announced that if the closure of public accesses is lifted, they will continue to restrict beach access to nonresidents. Beachwalker County Park will remain closed.

Latest Statistics (As of April 19, 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 the first week of May.

Statewide Positive Cases: 4439

Charleston County Positive Cases (based on county of residence and may fluctuate if reclassification occurs): 391

Zip Code 29455 (Kiawah, Seabrook, Johns Island) Case Information: Latest report available here

Projection Data: Available here under the heat map.

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

Ranking on Social Distancing Model

The University of Maryland’s social distancing index data model assesses each state’s effectiveness of preventive measures like social distancing and fast detection of infected cases.

Reopening America

President Trump has unveiled guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. Staged reopening depends on conditions locally.

Governor McMaster’s Updated Executive Order

Governor McMaster’s has issued a revision to Executive Order 2020-16, reopening public boat landings and ramps in South Carolina for the purpose of launching or retrieving boats effective 12 p.m. on Friday, April 17. Kiawah’s boat landings are private and were not closed under the original order.

Executive Order No. 2020-13 (Authorizing Law Enforcement to Maintain Order, Ensure Public Safety, and Preserve Public Health During the State of Emergency) remains in effect. Accordingly, no more than two individuals who are not family members from the same household may be on a boat, with some exceptions. Family members who reside in the same household may boat together in numbers greater than two. In addition, vessels on public waterways must remain underway at all times, unless exigent circumstances exist or anchoring to fish. The beaching or rafting of boats, whether on a sandbar, lakeshore, riverbank, or island, remains prohibited.

South Carolina is still 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.