March 20, 2020
COVID-19 Update #7
There is no new information to report from the Tri-County conference call with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department regarding the impact of COVID-19.
The number of cases in South Carolina has increased, and more cases are expected. Five cases have been confirmed in Charleston County. There are no confirmed or suspected cases on Kiawah or Seabrook at this time.
The Town continues to stress the importance of following guidance from local public health experts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Individual residents remain the best defense against the disease by following the recommended personal hygiene and social distancing guidelines urged by DHEC and CDC.
Island Updates
- Municipal Center lobby hours have been suspended. Staff will remain available during regular business hours Monday – Friday (8 a.m.-5 p.m.) but operations will largely be conducted virtually. Phones will be monitored, and calls will be transferred to staff that are working remotely. More information
- Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Code Enforcement will maintain physical presence on the island and operate as usual. All Town ordinances will be enforced, and violators will be ticketed. Anyone experiencing problems with rental properties or ordinance violations can report them to the 24-hour hotline at 843-259-2137 or through the online submittal form.
- All Charleston County Parks including Beachwalker County Park are closed until further notice.
- Kiawah Island Utility’s office is closed to walk-in traffic. Staff is operating on flex scheduling and are available virtually.
- Harris Teeter at Freshfields is asking patrons to designate one person in your party to grocery shop alone to help limit the number of shoppers in the store.They are currently open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
- Freshfields Village merchant and restaurant operations will be updated here.
- The Charleston County Citizens Information Line is operational from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 843–746–3900.
Dining and Grocery Delivery
- Information on local restaurants offering delivery, curbside pickup, or grocery delivery service is available here.
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.
Residents can expect their next communication on Monday, March 23 by 4 p.m. If there is breaking news, we will release that information before our scheduled communication.