May 06, 2020

COVID-19 Update #35

Updates from the Tri-County Conference Call:

Charleston County is working on a return to work plan and the schedule for reopening offices to the public will be announced soon.

The Kiawah Island Municipal Center will reopen on Monday, May 18 and resume normal hours of operation (Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m). Additional safety and cleaning protocol will be taken to comply with the recommended guidelines.

The Kiawah Island essential prescription delivery service for high risk or homebound individuals final day to accept orders is May 15. Call Vincent’s Pharmacy (843-243-0007) for more information.

The date for the County’s mobile testing site for zip code 29455 is approaching on May 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Johns Island Library (3531 Maybank Hwy). More information is below.

Latest Statistics (As of May 5, 2020 11:59 p.m.):

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

Positive Cases

• Statewide – 6936
• Charleston County – 464

Updated Reports

• Zip Code Case Information
• Projection Data
• Demographic Data

Residents can expect the next update Friday by 5 p.m. Breaking news will be released before our scheduled communication.

COVID-19 Mobile Testing Site

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.

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

Kiawah’s Emergency Ordinance

Yesterday, Town Council reviewed Emergency Ordinance 2020-02 and made the following amendments:

• The short-term rental moratorium will be allowed to expire on May 15.
• Lifted the suspension of chair and umbrella rental services on the beach effective Tuesday, May 5.
• Added the requirement for when a retail establishment is under a Town or Governor’s Order which limits the maximum occupancy to less than approved by building or fire authorities, the revised occupancy load must be prominently displayed at all entrances. If applicable to the retail establishment, the requirement for “a single person per family or group” must be prominently displayed at all entrances.
• Removed the self-quarantine requirement for individuals entering South Carolina from high risk states per the Governor’s orders.

All other provisions in Emergency Ordinance 2020-02 remain in effect until July 4 unless otherwise noted, subject to termination, amendment, or extension by Council.

News from Columbia | Governor’s Office

Executive Orders Amended

The following amendments have been made to Governor McMaster’s Executive Orders:

• The stay at home or work order is no longer mandatory but voluntary.
• Removal of travel restrictions and mandatory 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.
• Removal of outside dining restrictions with the recommendation that restaurants follow the guidance from the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association.
• 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.

State of Emergency Extended

On April 27, Governor McMaster extended South Carolina’s State of Emergency effective for an additional 15 days. 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 recommend an economic plan for a phased reopening and revitalization path for the state’s economy, guided by healthcare and medical data.

Freshfields Village Operations

Some businesses at Freshfields Village have reopened. Click here for an overview of updated hours of operation and visit their website for details about restaurant operations and online shopping options. Click here to view the list of allowed occupancy of open merchants (per Freshfields Management.)

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 the Resort’s Town Center Market, Freshfields Village and several at Bohicket Marina. 

Prescriptions

The essential prescription delivery service for high risk or homebound individuals final day to accept orders is May 15. 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

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, chills, shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of taste or smell) 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.