Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that beginning Wed. January 13th, any South Carolina resident aged 70 and older, regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions, can begin scheduling their appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on COVID-19 vaccine data — doses received, administered, and appointments scheduled — South Carolina officials are confident the majority of people in Phase 1a who want to be vaccinated have either received their shots or have scheduled appointments to do so. There are currently 146,500 doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in the state, with 82,266 total doses already administered (a 56% utilization rate) plus 94,926 appointments scheduled by Phase 1a individuals to receive their vaccine over the next several weeks.
Additional steps to expedite access to additional South Carolinians will be made based on the use of the vaccine, the number of appointments made, and information on vaccine supply.
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“Because we’ve seen a dramatic acceleration in vaccine usage and appointments in the last week, we have decided to speed things up again,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We know that those 70 and older are at the greatest risk of dying from COVID-19. Making sure they have expedited access to the vaccine will help save lives.”

“While COVID-19 vaccine is currently limited in South Carolina, like it is in all states, our providers continue to receive ongoing weekly shipments of vaccine from the federal government,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Director of Public Health. “When evaluating supply versus demand and as the rate of vaccines coming into the state increases compared to the rate of appointments being scheduled, we believe it is appropriate to begin scheduling appointments for additional South Carolinians. Based on current data, the mortality rate from COVID-19 for those 70 and older in South Carolina is approximately 655 deaths per 100,000 individuals. For those under the age of 70, there are approximately 37 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This is a staggering comparison and illustrates why vaccinating this population next is critically important in our mission to save lives.”

More than 67 percent of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina have been among those 70 and older. It’s estimated there are roughly 627,800 South Carolinians aged 70 or older, with many already receiving their vaccine through other Phase 1a eligibility.

What to Know

• Beginning Wed. January 13th, any South Carolina resident who’s at least 70 years old can schedule their appointment for receiving vaccine.
• Vaccines can only be administered by appointment. You can’t walk into a health care facility and ask for vaccine.
• Residents will be asked to provide a driver’s license or other form of ID at their appointment that confirms their age and, therefore, their eligibility to receive vaccine
• Individuals eligible to receive vaccine can schedule an appointment using DHEC's online Vaccine Locator Tool, which currently includes several major hospitals, seven DHEC sites, a DHEC mobile clinic, and 12 Doctor’s Cares locations. An additional 50 locations will be added to this list and available to provide vaccine by the beginning of next week. Individuals can also call the DHEC Care Line at 1 (855) 472-3432 for assistance with scheduling an appointment.
• As long-term care facility residents and staff continue to receive their Moderna vaccine through the federal Long-Term Care program, the state can soon redirect some Moderna vaccine from that program and make it available to others
• South Carolina is committed to making the limited supply of COVID-19 available to rural and unserved communities who have residents currently eligible to receive vaccine. This is occurring through:
  • an increased number of DHEC mobile clinic locations, where DHEC can bring the vaccine to communities without nearby locations offering vaccine
  • working with the South Carolina Vaccine Advisory Committee, Office of Rural Health, Office of Minority Affairs, South Carolina Hospital Association, South Carolina Medical Association, and other state and local partners to establish vaccine provider locations to rural and underserved communities
  • continuing to educate and inform rural, minority, and non-White communities about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccine
• The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires two shots separated by 21 days. The Moderna vaccine requires two shots separated by 28 days. You need to receive both shots of the same product; vaccine brands are not interchangeable.
• Both shots are needed for complete protection against COVID-19. After receiving both shots, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are 94-95 percent effective in preventing disease.
• Individuals will receive a vaccine card after receiving their first shot, reminding them when their second shot is due. Most providers are also issuing second-dose appointment reminders to patients by way of phone calls, emails or text messages.
• Getting vaccinated is one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Protection from COVID-19 is critically important because for some people, it can cause severe illness or death.
• Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like masks and physical distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. 

As the worldwide pandemic and vaccine distribution continue to be quickly evolving situations, South Carolinians are reminded to stay updated by following trusted, verified sources for the latest information. DHEC continues to hold at least twice-weekly updates to our state’s media outlets as part of ongoing efforts to provide the most current information available. For the latest COVID-19 vaccine information, visit scdhec.gov/vaxfacts.

On Fri. December 18th, the town's paving contractor, Superior Blacktop Services, will be present on Seabrook Island Road to mill and repave the crosswalks in front of Town Hall and near the entrance to Bohicket Marina. The work is scheduled to begin at 8:00 am and will continue throughout the day.

​At times, sections of Seabrook Island Road will be reduced to a single lane with alternating traffic. Motorists and pedestrians may experience minor delays while work is taking place. Please use caution when traveling on Seabrook Island Road when workers are present. 

December 16, 2020 -- 12:00 pm

Emergency Ordinance Extended through February 14, 2021
During its monthly meeting on December 15th, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Emergency Ordinance 2020-07, which repealed and replaced the provisions of Emergency Ordinance 2020-06, which was set to expire on December 22nd. Under the provisions of Emergency Ordinance 2020-07, the town:

• Extended the requirement for ALL PERSONS to wear a face covering when inside any portion of a business establishment that is open to the public or to customers;
• Extended the requirement for ALL EMPLOYEES to wear a face covering while engaged in face-to-face interactions with customers anywhere on the premises of a business establishment, including outdoor areas;
• Extended the requirement for ALL PERSONS to wear a face covering while waiting in line to enter a business establishment;
  
• Extended the requirement for ALL PERSONS in groups of two or more unrelated individuals while sharing a vehicle, boat, golf cart, or other mode of transportation which is provided by a business establishment for use on the premises of the business establishment to wear a face covering when separation of at least six feet between individuals cannot be maintained; 
  
• Extended the requirement for ALL PERSONS to wear a face covering while using the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association beach access points designated as Boardwalks 1-9, including associated wash stations; 
  
• Extended the requirement for ALL PERSONS attending an allowed gathering of more than ten people which is duly permitted pursuant to the temporary use permit provisions of the ordinance to wear a face covering;  
• Modified emergency restrictions for restaurants, bars and group congregations consistent with the Governor’s Emergency Order No. 2020-73;
• Extended emergency provisions to allow for remote participation and voting in Town Council, board and commission meetings;
• Grants Town Council the ability to approve the issuance of temporary use permits if it determines that the organizers or sponsors of the event or activity will undertake reasonable measures to minimize the risk of spread of COVID-19 within the Town in consequence of such event or activity;
• Extended the limitation of group congregations to no more than 10 individuals, except in instances where the Governor has expressly allowed larger gatherings by executive order; and
• Repealed Emergency Ordinance 2020-06 in its entirety.

 
Persons found guilty of violating the requirements of Emergency Ordinance 2020-07 are subject to fines ranging from $50.00 to $500.00 per violation, plus required statutory assessments. Businesses found guilty violating the ordinance shall be subject to fines ranging from $100.00 to $500.00 per violation, plus required assessments. In addition to fines, business establishments found guilty of violating the ordinance may also have their business license revoked or suspended. Each violation shall be treated as a separate offense.
 
The requirements of Emergency Ordinance 2020-07 were effective immediately upon adoption, and will remain in effect until February 14, 2021, unless repealed or extended by Town Council. A limited number of exceptions to the use of face coverings are provided in the ordinance, which may be viewed in its entirety by clicking here.
 
Alleged violations of the emergency ordinance may be reported to Seabrook Island Town Hall by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org.
 
Virtual Care and Testing Resources
MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis continue to offer free virtual care screenings to individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you or a loved one are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19, you are encouraged to speak with a provider and, if necessary, be referred for a COVID-19 test. Use the promo code "COVID19" when you log in.

• MUSC Health Virtual Care Website​
• Roper St. Francis Virtual Care Website

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control maintains a list of upcoming COVID-19 testing locations around the state, some of which are available at no cost and without a referral or appointment.

• View COVID-19 Testing Locations (SCDHEC)

Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals take the following precautions:

• Wear a Face Covering or Mask: The CDC recommends – and town ordinance now requires – the wearing cloth face coverings or masks in public settings.
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others. 
• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer regularly; avoid touching your face and mouth; and avoid shaking hands with others. 
• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection. 
• Limit Contact with the Sick and Elderly: Cease visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances. 

More Information
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SCDHEC Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.

For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:

• Town WEBSITE: www.townofseabrookisland.org
• Town TWITTER feed: www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87
• Town FACEBOOK page: www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland

 
Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees.

On Thurs. December 10th, Mayor John Gregg, members of Seabrook Island Town Council and town staff were on hand to welcome guests to Town Hall during our first ever Drive-Thru Christmas Party. Attendees were treated to sweet holiday treats from Wildflour Pastry, a drive-thru light display on the grounds of Town Hall and festive holiday music.

December 10th was also the last day to drop off a toy for our Toys for Tots toy drive. This year, thanks to your generosity, we collected a total of 6 full boxes of toys! The toys were delivered to the Toys for Tots office in Summerville on December 11th, where they will be distributed to children and families throughout the Charleston region. 

If you didn't get a chance to see the Christmas lights at Town Hall during the Drive-Thru Christmas Party, they will remain on display until January 4th.

​Merry Christmas from all of us at the Town of Seabrook Island!

​Please join us at Town Hall on Thurs. December 10th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm for our drive-thru Christmas Party! We'll have sweet holiday treats, a drive-thru light display and festive holiday music. Its also the last day to drop off a toy for our annual Toys for Tots toy drive. We hope to see you there!

Are you interested in serving on a town board, commission or committee? The Mayor and Council are currently soliciting applications from citizen volunteers for appointment to the following bodies:

​Applications will be kept on file with the Town Clerk for a period of two years. ​​​If you have any questions about volunteering with the town, please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org.

The Town of Seabrook Island values equity and inclusion and seeks to appoint board, commission and committee members that reflect the diversity of our community. The Town of Seabrook Island does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, age, race, color, national origin, religion, military/veteran status, or disability.

The Town of Seabrook Island will host a FREE public shredding event on Fri. October 23rd from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

The event will take place rain or shine in the parking lot adjacent to Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road).

Attendees will be limited to three boxes (copy paper box or smaller) or three bags (kitchen trash bag or smaller) per vehicle. There is no need to remove binders, binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands, or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.

** Please note that the following COVID-19 measures will be in place **

• This will be a drive-through only event; please stay in your car at all times.
• Please place all items in your trunk or cargo area; personnel from Shred 360 will remove them for you.
• Shred 360 personnel will be wearing masks at all times.
• Please wear a mask if you exit your vehicle or have direct face-to-face contact with Shred 360 personnel.

Shredding services will be provided by Shred360.

For more information, please call Town Hall at (843) 768-9121.

​As of October 1, 2020, the town’s “off-peak” season rules pertaining to pets on the beach are now in effect.  Pursuant to Section 32-44 of the Town Code, also known “Beach Rules for Pets Ordinance,” the beaches of Seabrook Island are divided into three zones. The requirements for each zone during the “off-peak” season are provided below:
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Restricted Area (Red)

• The restricted area begins at a line extending from Boardwalk #1 (Community Center Boardwalk) to the Atlantic Ocean and continues in a northeasterly direction to Captain Sams Inlet.
• No pets shall be allowed within the restricted area at any time, whether on or off a leash.​

 
Limited Restriction Area (Yellow)

• The limited restriction area begins approximately 300 yards northwest of a line extending from Boardwalk #9 (Pelican Watch Boardwalk) to the Edisto River and continues in a northwesterly direction to Privateer Creek.
• Pets within the limited restriction area must be on a leash at all times.

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General Beach Area (Green)

• During the “off peak” season (October 1 – March 31), pets may be off a leash at all times within the general beach area, provided they remain effectively controlled while on the beach.

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​As a reminder, when an animal is allowed to be off-leash, it must be effectively controlled by a competent person from: (a) entering any area on or adjacent to the beach in which a pet is prohibited; (b) destroying or damaging any property; (c) attacking or threatening  to attack any person or any other animal or pet in any manner; or (d) being a nuisance to other beach goers.
 
When a pet is required to be on a leash, it must be restrained using a physical restraint made of cord, rope, strap, chain or other material effective for restraining the type and size of animal to which it is attached. In addition, the physical restraint must be no more than sixteen (16) feet in length, secured to the animal’s collar or harness, and continuously held by a competent person physically capable of restraining the animal. Animals under voice control, or under control of remotely operated devices (such as electronic collars), are considered to be “off leash.”​
 
The beaches of Seabrook Island are actively patrolled by code enforcement officers employed by the town, as well as by designated personnel from the Seabrook Island Beach Patrol. Individuals who are found guilty of violating any ordinance of the town may be subject to fines up to $1,087.50 per offense (including court fees) upon conviction.
 
The town’s “off-peak” season rules will remain in effect until March 31, 2021.