March 23, 2020

COVID-19 Update #8

Updates 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. Thirteen cases have been confirmed in Charleston County.

Currently, DHEC’s reporting on confirmed cases only provides the county affected, not the city or town. Charleston County Emergency Management and Town officials have requested that additional detail be included when reporting new cases, but DHEC is not providing that level of detail at this time. The Town is committed to full transparency and all verified information regarding the impact of COVID-19 will be communicated.

The Town continues to stress the importance of following guidance from local public health experts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Our communities best defense is to follow the recommended personal hygiene and social distancing guidelines urged by DHEC and CDC.

Beach Patrol is monitoring the beach and regulating the public congregation guidelines (10 persons or less) issued by the Governor as well as enforcing all Town ordinances.

Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Code Enforcement are present on the island and regulating the public congregation guidelines (10 persons or less) as well as enforcing all Town ordinances. 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.

FEMA has set up a website for Coronavirus Rumor Control and is available here

Island Updates

• Today, Harris Teeter began offering senior hours for individuals 60 years and older every Monday and Thursday from 6 a.m.- 7 a.m. Senior discounts will only be applied on Thursday, as usual. Patrons should designate one person in your party to grocery shop alone to help limit the number of shoppers in the store. Current hours of operation are from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily.
• Beachwalker County Park is closed until further notice.
• In order to prevent people from congregating and to better comply with social distancing, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort (KIGR) and Kiawah Partners (KP) have made changes to their operations. KIGR temporarily closed all operations at The Sanctuary (indoor and outdoor pools, beach access, spa) with plans to reopen on April 6. KP temporarily closed the pools and pool decks at The Beach Club, The Marsh House and The Sports Pavilion.
• 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
• Kiawah Island Utility’s office is closed to walk-in traffic. Staff is operating on flex scheduling and are available virtually.
• 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.

Residents can expect their next communication tomorrow by 4 p.m. If there is breaking news, we will release that information before our scheduled communication.

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.