May 01, 2020

COVID-19 Update #33

Updates from the Tri-County Conference Call:

COVID-19 Mobile Testing Sites 

The Charleston County Public Safety Directorate, including EMS and Emergency Management, is partnering with Fetter Heath Care Network to offer mobile COVID-19 screening and testing sites beginning May 4.

The mobile testing site for Kiawah, Seabrook, and Johns Island will be held May 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Johns Island Library (3531 Maybank Hwy). Individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can request a screening by calling 1-800-365-7410 or at FetterCovid19Screening.org

Other sites providing screening for COVID-19 testing:

• MUSC virtual care (use code COVID19).
• Roper St. Francis Healthcare virtual care

Charleston County Parks

Charleston County Parks & Recreation began reopening select parks today (May 1). Beachwalker County Park remains closed at this time.

Press Conference Today

Governor McMaster will hold a press conference today (May 1) at 4 p.m. which will be broadcast on www.scemd.org.

Latest Statistics (As of April 30, 2020 11:59 p.m.):

Expect a lag time on data below updated to DHEC’s testing site.

Positive Cases

• Statewide – 6258
• Charleston County – 452

Updated Reports

• Zip Code Case Information
• Projection Data
• Demographic Data

News from Columbia | Governor’s Office

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. This order is separate from the State of Emergency and will remain in place until the Governor rescinds it. Learn more

State of Emergency Extended

On April 27, Governor McMaster extended South Carolina’s State of Emergency effective for an additional 15 days. All existing executive orders issued will remain in effect. The Governor can, at any time, rescind any orders he has issued with the advice of the state’s public health experts.

accelerateSC

accelerateSC serves as the coordinated COVID-19 advisory team to consider and recommend an economic plan for a phased reopening and revitalization path for the state’s economy, guided by healthcare and medical data. Meeting replays are available at www.scetv.org

Limited Reopening

Governor McMaster reopened public boat landings, some retailers, and 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.

Recent CDC Guidance

The CDC is recommending social distancing for pets and has provided guidance on reopening procedures for businesses as well as information on coping and managing stress during COVID-19.

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.

Message from Mayor Weaver

Read Mayor Weaver’s latest message to the community here.

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 virtual and online shopping are available here.

Allowed Occupancy of Open Merchants (Per Freshfields Management)

BB& T  – 8
Coastal Footwear – 5
Corner Cleaners – 3
Dolittle’s – 4
GDC – 15
Harris Teeter – 78
Holly & Brooks – 10
Indigo Books – 7
Islands Mercantile – 10
Kiawah Spirits – 3
Peyton William – 3
Post & Computer – 5
Seacoast Sports – 23
Southern Tide – 9
Village Optical – 5
Vincent’s – 12
Wells Fargo – 13

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.