March 30, 2020 -- 8:00 pm
 
Restrictions on Individuals Entering the Town from Areas with Substantial Community Spread
In an effort to minimize contact with individuals entering the town from areas with substantial community spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), Mayor John Gregg issued Executive Order 2020-02 on Monday, March 30, 2020. Consistent with an order issued by Governor Henry McMaster on March 28th, the Mayor’s Executive Order requires individuals entering the town who have traveled to or from locations in the States of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and the City of New Orleans, as well as a those countries designated by the CDC as subject to a "Level 3 Travel Notice," must isolate or self-quarantine for 14 days, or for the duration of the individual’s stay in the town (whichever is shorter). This order was effective immediately and applies to ALL individuals entering the town including, but not limited to: full- and part-time residents; property owners; family members and guests of residents and property owners; short-term rental guests; employees; and contractors. The Order also requires that property owners/managers communicate notice of these requirements to individuals coming to Seabrook Island from any of the above-referenced locations. The Order will remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency. More Information: View Executive Order 2020-02 | Isolation vs. Quarantine (SCDHEC)
 
Limitations on Local Authority
The Town of Seabrook Island has received many calls and emails over the last week requesting that access to the island be limited or otherwise restricted. Consistent with the town’s Comprehensive Emergency Plan, the town has followed the orders imposed by the Governor’s Office, as well as recommendations issued by experts from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).

We are aware that several neighboring communities, including Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivans Island, have established police checkpoints to limit access to their communities and, further, have imposed restrictions on certain business activities. On March 27th, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office issued an advisory opinion which stated, in part: “[L]ocal government cannot exercise the emergency powers delegated to the Governor by the General Assembly… The Governor… as the Chief Executive of the State, is responsible for the safety, security and welfare of the State… Therefore, counties and municipalities should be aware that any unauthorized exercise of such emergency powers could subject these political subdivisions to liability at the behest of a private citizen with requisite legal standing.”

Unlike those jurisdictions referenced above, the Town of Seabrook Island does not have a municipal police department to enforce such an order. Mayor John Gregg reached out to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) to determine whether CCSO deputies would assist the town by staffing a municipal checkpoint, if the Mayor and Council were to decide at some point in the future to restrict access to the town. On March 30th, the town received a response from the CCSO which stated, in part: “After conferring with Sheriff Cannon and County Legal, the Sheriff’s Office will not enforce restricted access initiatives unless the Governor has declared Martial Law… [T]he Sheriff is concerned with ensuring Constitutional rights are not infringed during this challenging and constantly evolving event. The Sheriff’s Office has, and continues to assist beach communities upon request; however, the deputies that are working these areas are responding to calls for service or assisting with traffic control that is not related to access of the community being served.” 

Based on these limitations, and because the town does not control access through the SIPOA security gate, the town does not have a viable way to limit or restrict access to the island. At this time, the Mayor and Council remain in constant contact with the Town Attorney and various state and local partners to identify methods to best protect residents of the town. More Information: View SCAG Advisory Opinion | View Correspondence from CCSO
 
Pre-Screening of 911 Calls
In order to safeguard the health and safety of law enforcement authorities and other first responders who risk potential exposure to COVID-19 while providing emergency and other essential services during the State of Emergency, Governor McMaster has ordered all 911 operators or other emergency dispatchers to ask any individual placing a call for service whether such individual or any member of their household has tested positive for COVID-19 or is exhibiting symptoms consistent with the same.
 
Extension of School Closures
On March 28th, Governor McMaster ordered that all public K-12 schools, as well as state-supported colleges, universities and technical schools, shall remained closed until April 30th. Parents of children who attend private schools should contact those schools directly for additional information.
 
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed
As a reminder, Town Hall remains closed and members of town staff are working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. All public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
 
Protect Yourself and Others
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 

• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and 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 SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

March 26, 2020 -- 5:00 pm

Mayor Issues Executive Order to Restrict Gatherings. On March 26, 2020, Mayor John Gregg issued Executive Order 2020-01. The order prohibits gatherings of more than ten people while outside their homes and requires people within groups of ten or fewer people to practice “social distancing” by maintaining a minimum separation of six feet between individuals. Violations of this order are punishable in accordance with provisions of the Town Code, including the imposition of fines of up to $500.00 per violation. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers are authorized to enforce the Order and are also authorized to cooperate with state and county law enforcement officers in their enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-13, which allows for the dispersal of gatherings of three or more individuals if the officers determine that the gathering poses a threat to public health. The Mayor’s Order was effective immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency. The order applies to gatherings at all indoor and outdoor locations throughout the town (including, but not limited to, the beach, the Lake House, the Island House and Bohicket Marina), but does not apply to gatherings within an individual’s residence. More Info: Executive Order 2020-01 | Statement from Mayor Gregg

Seabrook Island Beach Patrol. The town’s Beach Patrol services were scheduled to begin on April 1st. As a result of the Mayor’s Order, the town has elected to activate this contract early. The town’s Beach Patrol will commence services on Friday, March 27th and will continue providing daily service through September 30th. In addition to enforcing the town’s general beach ordinances, the town’s Beach Patrol Officers have been authorized to enforce Executive Order 2020-01, and may issue citations to individuals who fail to comply with the requirements of this order. At this time, the town’s beaches remain open; however, beachgoers must limit their group size to no more than ten people, and beachgoers must also practice “social distancing” at all times.  

Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed. Town Hall staff are currently working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners by phone and email. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. As a reminder, all public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings. 

Charleston County Offices Closed. Charleston County government has announced that all county offices will be closed to the public beginning on Friday, March 27th. County staff will remain accessible by phone and email. Several county services, including tax payments and building permits, may be accessed on the Charleston County website. The Charleston County landfill will remain open at this time, and solid waste and recycling services will continue to operate on a normal schedule. The county’s judicial center will remain open for limited hours on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. 

Seabrook Island Village Offers Assistance to Individuals on Seabrook Island. In the spirit of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Seabrook Island Village (SIV), a local 501(c)3 organization, realizes that there may be many people on Seabrook Island who might need a little assistance because they are impacted by, or may be at a higher risk, during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the SIV Board has decided to extend grocery shopping and prescription drug pick-up services at Freshfields to non-members. If you would like to use this service, please call SIV at (843) 580-2088 or visit their website. Please join us in thanking SIV and its volunteers for providing these important services to residents of Seabrook Island.

Protect Yourself and Others. To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others.
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and 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 SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

March 22, 2020 – 3:00 pm
 
Beginning today, March 23, 2020, staff from Seabrook Island Town Hall began working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners by phone and email. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so, and Beach Patrol activities are scheduled to commence on April 1st. As a reminder, all public meetings have been cancelled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
 
Seabrook Island Town Council has scheduled an Emergency Meeting for Tuesday, March 24th, at 2:00 pm. The purpose of this meeting is to receive legal advice from the Town Attorney regarding the town’s powers during a state of emergency. This information will be discussed in executive session, at which time the meeting will be closed to the public and the audio feed will be paused. There are no action items on the agenda and no votes will be taken during tomorrow’s meeting. Consistent with recent recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) related to “social distancing,” the Town of Seabrook Island is requesting that members of the public who wish to observe this meeting dial in by telephone: Phone Number: (712) 770-5505, Access Code: 659-714.
 
As negotiations in Washington continue on the details of a proposed economic stimulus package, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning Americans about the possibility of potential financial scams. According to a recent post on its website, the FTC is reminding people that:

• The government will not ask you to pay anything up front to get money from the federal government. No fees. No charges. No nothing.

 

• The government will not call to ask for your Social Security number, bank account or credit card number. Anyone who does is a scammer.

 

• Reports of government checks aren’t yet a reality. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.

 
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions: 

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others. 

 

• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others and avoid large groups.

 

• Travel: Avoid unnecessary travel, especially to areas with 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. 

 
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 of Seabrook Island Website (www.townofseabrookisland.org)
• Town of Seabrook Island TWITTER feed (www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87)
• Town of Seabrook Island FACEBOOK page (www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland)

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

March 22, 2020 -- 10:00 pm
 
In the last 48 hours, the town has received multiple calls and emails from residents, property owners and visitors regarding access to Seabrook Island and its beaches. Given the existing protocols already in place to limit public access through the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) security gate, neither the Town nor SIPOA have implemented additional access restrictions at this time. Below is a statement from Mayor John Gregg regarding the town’s current status, as well as recommended actions that individuals may undertake to limit their exposure to Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
 
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Statement from Mayor John Gregg
 
As you may know, several area “beach communities,” including Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, have implemented restrictions on access to their beaches. In fact, those restrictions are in line with control of access to the Town’s beaches that is effected by the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (“SIPOA”). That is, to have access to SIPOA’s beach accesses, it is necessary to have access through SIPOA’s security gate which is allowed for property owners, residents (including those who are not property owners) and their invited  guests (by passes authorized by property owners and residents). Currently, “rental guests” can have access through the gate by virtue of having arranged a stay at a Seabrook Island property. The restrictions of the aforementioned beach communities similarly allow persons who have arranged rentals in those communities to access their beaches.
 
I acknowledge the concerns expressed by some that an influx of rental guests and others into Seabrook Island increases the potential for spread of coronavirus here. No matter any limitations that may be imposed by governmental authorities on access to the Town’s beaches or access to the Town, we must each take responsibility for our own behavior to lessen the chances for being infected. The one practice that is available to all and that is universally recognized as being effective for spread of this disease is “social distancing” (separation by six feet or more from others). That practice is effective because the virus is spread through contact and the recommended separation will place you beyond direct ingestion of virus present in droplets expelled by coughs or sneezes of an infected person. Avoidance of groups of ten or more is a practice to help individuals practice “social distancing”—much more difficult when in the midst of groups of people. Practicing “hand hygiene” is effective to avoid indirect contact infection where live virus that persists on surfaces you touch is transferred from your hands to membranes at your face that would allow the virus to enter your body. Practicing “hand hygiene”, means frequent washing of hands with warm, soapy water to kill virus on the hands and wash away the killed virus; and avoiding touching your face with your hands to prevent transfer of virus from your hands to membranes at your face.
 
The measures taken by the beach communities of Edisto Beach, Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island were spurred in part by failure of beach goers to practice “social distancing”. By recent action of the Governor, law enforcement is specifically tasked to enforce state law providing for dispersal of groups of three or more on SC beaches. That enforcement can include fine and imprisonment. When on our beaches, the Town’s Code Enforcement Officers will be asking groups of beach goers they encounter to observe “social distancing” or disperse. I urge those of you who are hosting friends or family to remind them of the importance of practicing “social distancing” while they are on our beaches. If you own property occupied by rental guests, please ask those rental guests to practice “social distancing” while on our beaches.
 
Kind regards,
 
John Gregg
Mayor, Town of Seabrook Island
 
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For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 of Seabrook Island Website (www.townofseabrookisland.org)
• Town of Seabrook Island TWITTER feed (www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87);
• Town of Seabrook Island FACEBOOK page (www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland)

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.

03/20/2020 -- 8:00 pm
 
On Friday, March 20, 2020, officials from the Town of Seabrook Island participated on a countywide conference call which was convened by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department to discuss ongoing efforts related to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Representatives from various state and federal agencies, as well as regional healthcare providers, local municipalities and public service districts, also participated in the call. Key messages highlighted during the call included:

• The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Charleston County, the State of South Carolina and across the country. As of Friday, there were 125 confirmed cases in 25 counties across South Carolina.

 

• Starting Monday, March 23rd, Charleston County buildings will only be open to the public between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. County staff will continue working normal business hours to assist citizens via phone and email. This does not include the Judicial Center, which had previously limited public access.

 

• The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) continue to stress the importance of preventative measures such as “hand hygiene” and “social distancing” to limit the spread of COVID-19.

 
On Friday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster directed agents with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and local law enforcement agencies to “disperse crowds” gathered on state beaches to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The governor later tweeted that residents should “responsibly maintain social distance while enjoying our state’s beaches.” The Governor previously ordered the closure of all public schools; the cessation of all dine-in activities at restaurants, bars and cafeterias; the closure of state offices to non-essential personnel; waivers on eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits; and restrictions on visitors to healthcare and nursing facilities.
 
At 4:00 pm on Friday, Seabrook Island Town Hall was closed indefinitely. Beginning on Monday, March 23rd, town staff will be working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so, and Beach Patrol activities will commence on April 1st, as scheduled.
 
Harris Teeter at Freshfields has announced that they will begin offering designated hours for individuals 60+ years of age. The designated “senior hours” will take place on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 am to 7:00 am. In an effort to reduce overcrowding and avoid long lines at the store, Harris Teeter has also requested that guests, particularly rental guests, send only one individual per family, party or household to do the grocery shopping at any one time.
 
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others.

 

• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and 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.

 
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 of Seabrook Island Website (www.townofseabrookisland.org)
• Town of Seabrook Island TWITTER feed (www.twitter.com/seabrookislnd87);
• Town of Seabrook Island FACEBOOK page (www.facebook.com/townofseabrookisland)

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.
 
More Information
 
Charleston County COVID-19 Updates

Governor McMaster’s Executive Orders

March 17, 2020 -- 8:00 pm
 
To protect the public health, safety and welfare of residents and visitors, Mayor John Gregg has declared the existence of a State of Emergency within the Town of Seabrook Island as a result of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The declaration was effective at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, and will remain in effect until repealed by the Mayor or a majority of Town Council members.
 
In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and consistent with the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Mayor and Council of the Town of Seabrook Island have implemented the following emergency measures:

• Public Meetings: All meetings of the Town Council, Ways and Means Committee, Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, DSO Advisory Committee, Public Safety Committee and Utility Commission have been CANCELLED through the end of April. Special or emergency meetings may be called on an as-needed basis and may be conducted via teleconference.
• Public Hearings: The Public Hearings for Ordinances 2020-03, 2020-04 and 2020-05, which were advertised for March 24, 2020, have been CANCELLED.
• Municipal Court: The Municipal Court session scheduled for April 15, 2020, has been CANCELLED.
• Town Events: The town’s Spring Shred Event, which was scheduled for April 24, 2020, has been POSTPONED.
• Temporary Use Permits: The consideration and issuance of temporary use permits has been SUSPENDED for all events and activities scheduled to take place over the next eight weeks.
• Town Operations: Seabrook Island Town Hall will be CLOSED to the public beginning on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. At that time, the town will transition to "VIRTUAL SERVICES" only. For assistance with business licensing, code enforcement, permitting and other town services during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. Beach Patrol activities will commence on April 1, 2020, as scheduled.

 
At this time, the town’s State of Emergency has NOT impacted the following activities; however, residents and visitors are strongly advised to heed the recommendations of state and federal agencies:

• Beach Access: The beaches of Seabrook Island are currently open. Beach Patrol activities will commence on April 1, 2020, as scheduled. Residents and visitors are encouraged to practice “social distancing” on the beach and avoid gathering in groups of more than ten people, as recommended by the CDC.
• Gate Access: Neither the town nor the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) have restricted access to or from the island. The SIPOA security gate will remain open to guests and contractors as long as SIPOA has determined that it is safe to do so. Any changes to gate access will be at the discretion of SIPOA.
• Short-Term Rentals: The town has not implemented any additional restrictions on short-term rental units at this time. Owners and managers of rental units should undertake routine cleaning and disinfection activities, as recommended by the CDC, to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among rental guests.

 
Seabrook Island remains subject to both the National Emergency and statewide State of Emergency declarations which were issued by President Donald Trump and Governor Henry McMaster, respectively, on Friday, March 13, 2020. By executive order, the following restrictions are now in effect on a statewide basis:

• Schools: On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Governor McMaster ordered the closure of all public K-12 schools, as well as state-supported colleges, universities and technical schools, until at least March 31, 2020.
• Bars and Restaurants: On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, Governor McMaster ordered that all restaurants, bars and cafeterias in the State of South Carolina must stop all dine-in activities beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020. Eateries may continue to provide drive through, delivery and take-out options.

 
To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions:

• Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer, avoid of touching your face and mouth, and avoid shaking hands with others.
• Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and 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 of the person being visited.

 
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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 as new information becomes available:

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

 
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.
 
More Information

State of Emergency Declaration: Issued March 17, 2020 (PDF)
​

March 16, 2020 -- 8:00 pm
 
On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster ordered the closure of all public schools in the State of South Carolina for students and non-essential employees beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, and extending through Tuesday, March 31, 2020. This order applies to all public K-12 schools, as well as state-supported colleges, universities and technical schools. Seabrook Island families that have students enrolled in private schools should contact those schools directly for further information about their operational status.
 
On Monday, March 16, 2020, President Donald Trump announced new guidelines to combat the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). According to these new recommendations, people should:

• Avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people;
• Avoid discretionary travel; and
• Avoid eating and drinking at bars, restaurants and public food courts.

 
At this time, the Town has not declared a State of Emergency; however, Seabrook Island remains subject to both the National Emergency and statewide State of Emergency declarations which were issued by President Trump and Governor McMaster, respectively, on Friday, March 13, 2020.
 
The Seabrook Island Town Council has scheduled an Emergency Meeting for 10:00 am on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Consistent with recent recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) related to “social distancing,” the Town of Seabrook Island is requesting that members of the public who wish to observe this meeting dial in by telephone:

• Phone Number: (712) 770-5505
• Access Code: 659-714

 
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recommended that gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled or postponed. The CDC also recommends that individuals practice “hand hygiene” (frequent hand-washing, avoidance of touching one’s face and cessation of “hand-shake” greetings), “social distancing” (maintenance of spatial separation from others—6 feet separation), avoidance of travel to areas of high concentrations of cases of infection, cessation of visits to nursing homes and other extended care facilities, except in the case of end-of-life circumstances of the person being visited.
 
For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (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, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

At 3:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2020, President Donald Trump declared a National Emergency over the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and announced a set of specific measures aimed at stemming the effects of the outbreak. The declaration frees up approximately $50 billion in federal funds under the Stafford Act to fight the fast-spreading virus. The declaration grants broad authority to the Secretary for Health and Human Services to waive provisions of certain laws and regulations to give doctors and hospitals maximum flexibility to respond to the virus and requires every state to open emergency operation centers. President Trump also announced that he was waiving interest on all student loans held by federal government agencies and has directed the Secretary of Energy to purchase large quantities of crude oil for the US strategic reserves to take advantage of low oil prices.
 
At 5:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2020, Governor Henry McMaster declared a State of Emergency to enhance the state's response to the COVID-19 virus. The Governor’s emergency declaration includes:

• Immediate restriction on visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities throughout the state (with the exception of end of life situations);
• Immediate suspension of visitation at state and local correctional facilities in all 46 counties;
• Immediate activation of the state’s price gouging laws;
• Immediate activation of the State Emergency Management Plan;
• Closing of all schools in Kershaw and Lancaster Counties for a period of 14 days;
• Directing the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) to consult with the state's Superintendent of Education and local school district leadership to provide guidance on if and when remaining school districts should close schools and for what period of time; and
• Confirming that state government offices shall remain open during their normal business hours.

 
At this time, the Town of Seabrook Island and Charleston County government remain under normal operating conditions.
 
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, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

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Presidential Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak

Governor Henry McMaster's State of Emergency Declaration

Officials from the Town of Seabrook Island participated in a county-wide conference call on March 13, 2020 regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The call was convened by the Charleston County Emergency Management Department (EMD) and included medical professionals from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).

At this time, there is no state of emergency. The Town of Seabrook Island, Charleston County and the State of South Carolina are currently operating under normal conditions. 

Major points from this call included the following:

• There are now confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in the state of South Carolina, including Charleston County. 
• The primary symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms, you should call your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your concerns or to get medical care. You may also visit the SCDHEC website for additional information, including links to telehealth resources. 
• To minimize potential exposure to the disease, you should follow guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), including: washing your hands frequently; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with anyone who has been exposed; stay home when you are sick; avoid crowded places; and cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of the virus, as well as those who have recently traveled to areas with a high concentration of COVID-19 infections, should avoid contact with others. Older individuals (over 60 years of age) and people with chronic diseases are at a higher risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. 
• At this time, the town, county and state are not requiring the cancellation of events or activities. To determine the status of an event or activity, you should contact the sponsor of that event or activity directly.  
• For general questions about COVID-19, 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, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.

Town of Seabrook Island participated in a county-wide conference call on March 6, 2020, convened by Charleston County Emergency Management Department (EMD).  Participants on the call included medical professionals from South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).

Following are some of the major points from that call:

• Currently there are no reported cases in SC.  As of the call there are confirmed cases in 19 states, including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina.
• Primary symptoms of the virus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  Seek initial treatment for these symptoms from your personal healthcare provider.  Do not call 911.
• The risk to the public remains low.  However, to minimize potential exposure to the disease residents should follow guidelines established by Center for Disease Control (CDC) including: frequent hand washing; avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth; avoid contact with anyone who has been exposed; stay home when you are sick, avoid crowded places; and cover mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.

For more information about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), residents are strongly encouraged to visit the SCDHEC website.