March 09, 2021

Town Restrictions Regarding COVID-19 Remain in Effect

On Friday, March 5, Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2021-12, which modifies existing emergency orders and begins the process of facilitating the return of the remaining state employees back to the workplace on a full-time basis.  The modified Executive Order continued provisions for local governments to keep mandatory mask ordinances, which the Town of Kiawah currently has in place. The Town’s latest ordinance remains in effect in its entirety. Provided below is a summary.

On March 2, 2021, Town Council passed Ordinance 2021-03, which continues emergency restrictions that shall remain in place until December 31, 2021, or until the Governor allows the current State of Emergency to expire, whichever date comes first. The Ordinance in its entirety is available here.

Restaurants –
Restaurants must continue to comply with the following restrictions:

• Employees and patrons must wear masks or face coverings
• Diners must be seated six feet away from diners at other tables
• Restaurants must seat no more than eight customers per table unless from the same family
• Restaurants must not allow standing or congregating in the bar area of restaurant

Face Coverings

• Required for all persons, including employees, entering or waiting to enter any restaurant (including persons waiting to pick up a carryout order), business, club, or association facility at all times
• Exceptions, such as those for health, age, and activity are listed in the Ordinance
• Businesses and restaurants are responsible for enforcing this Emergency Ordinance with regard only to their employees and conspicuously posting the information for guests and employees

Gatherings

• Events involving 250+ people will no longer require approval from the SC Department of Commerce

Essential Businesses (those originally covered by the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-21, Section 1(I))

• Limit the number of customers not to exceed five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or twenty percent (20%) of the occupancy limit as determined by the fire marshal, whichever is less
• Not allow patrons to congregate within six feet of one another, exclusive of family units
• Comply with sanitation guidelines promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health officials

Violators of any other provision contained in this Ordinance will be subject to a criminal fine of up to $100.00 plus required statutory assessments.