April 22, 2020
COVID-19 Update #29
Updates from the Tri-County Conference Call:
Today, Governor McMaster announced that schools in South Carolina will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
Latest Statistics (As of April 21, 2020 11:59 p.m.):
Expect a lag time between when the data reported below is updated on DHEC’s testing site.
Statewide Positive Cases: 4761
Charleston County Positive Cases (based on county of residence and may fluctuate if reclassification occurs): 406
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 Friday by 5 p.m. If there is breaking news, we will release that information before our scheduled communication.
Governor McMaster’s Updated Executive Order
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
Schools
Today, Governor McMaster announced that schools in South Carolina will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.
Limited Reopening
Governor McMaster has reopened public boat landings and has allowed the limited reopening of some retailers across the state. Occupancy limits and social distancing requirements will continue to be imposed on the retailers allowed to reopen. He also authorized the reopening of public beach accesses subject to restrictions imposed by local governments. Kiawah’s beach accesses (with the exception of Beachwalker County Park which remains closed) are private and were not closed under the original order. Read the executive order.
Freshfields Village Operations
Some businesses at Freshfields Village have reopened and the list of merchants and restaurants is available here. Merchants offering curbside pick-up and virtually and online shopping are available here.
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.
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)
Architectural Review Board (ARB)
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
Current data shows 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
KICA Security
843-768-5566
Beach Patrol
843-518-2880
Violation 24-hr Hotline (Code Enforcement)
843-259-2137
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
Smart911 Safety Profile