May 13, 2020

COVID-19 Update #38

Updates from the Tri-County Conference Call:

There is no new information to report, other than the updated stats below:

Latest Statistics (As of May 12 | 11:59 p.m.):

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

Positive Cases

• Statewide – 8030
• Charleston County – 491

Updated Reports

• Zip Code Case Information
• Projection Data
• Demographic Data

Town Council Special Call Meeting Tomorrow

Town Council will hold a special call meeting tomorrow, Thursday, May 14, at 4 p.m. to consider approval of Resolution 2020-02 – Guidelines for the Reopening and Operation of Short-term Rentals. The meeting will be live-streamed on the Town’s YouTube channel. The agenda is available here.

Watch the Meeting

To access the Town’s YouTube channel, do one of the following:

• Save this email and click here at the meeting time.
• Visit www.kiawahisland.org and click the moving ticker at the top of the homepage or click the YouTube icon at the bottom of the homepage.
• Visit www.youtube.com and search the Town of Kiawah.

Essential Prescription Delivery Expiring

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.

Charleston County Government shifted to normal operations today, Wednesday, May 13 and county buildings resumed public access for citizens daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. At this time, citizens will not be required to wear a mask when they enter county buildings.

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

Harris Teeter Freshfields Operations

Harris Teeter at Freshfields has resumed regular hours of operation (daily 6 a.m.-11 p.m.) but have made the following changes to the store in response to COVID-19:

• Senior hours will continue on Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Patrons are asked to comply, however company policy is that they do not turn anyone away.
• Employee temperatures will be taken daily at the start of their shift.
• A staff member will serve as a counter at the entrance and exit to keep track of how many people are in the store and restrict occupancy to their maximum occupancy (78).
• Aisles will be one way, and directional markers will be displayed.
• Social distancing signage will be posted throughout the store, and six-foot distance markers will be on the floor at checkout.
• Plastic shields will be at the checkouts and floral shop.
• Masks will be worn by employees, unless excused due to a doctor provided excuse, as to why they are unable to wear a mask.
• A cart sanitizing staff member will be posted at the entrance to wipe/clean cart handles.

Please note: Gloves are only required if handling ready to eat merchandise.

Kiawah’s Emergency Ordinance

News from Columbia | Governor’s Office

On Monday, Governor McMaster announced that close contact service providers, fitness and exercise centers, commercial gyms, and public or commercial pools will be able to open in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18.

Close contact service providers include the following businesses: Barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons and spas, body-art facilities and tattoo services, tanning salons, massage-therapy establishments and massage services.

Reopening guidelines for close contact service providers can be found here. A summary of Governor McMaster’s previously amended orders is available here.

Absentee Voting

Under a new bill passed by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, all qualified voters in South Carolina will be allowed to cast an absentee ballot in the June 9 Primary Election and any subsequent runoffs. The no excuse absentee voting bill temporarily suspends excuses needed to vote absentee. Learn More

Request a mail in absentee ballot by:

Email: absentee@charlestoncounty.org

Phone: 843-744-8683

Web: https://vote.charlestoncounty.org (Live Chat feature)

Charleston County has begun conducting in-person absentee voting for the June primary at 4367 Headquarters Rd., North Charleston Monday – Friday (May 11- June 8) 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The SC Election Commission is preparing safety precautions for June primaries.

Freshfields Village Operations

Some businesses at Freshfields Village have reopened.

• Overview of hours of operation
• Details about restaurant operations
• Online shopping options

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.