Town of Seabrook Island Issues Public Advisory #16 on COVID-19

May 1, 2020 -- 3:00 pm

Charleston County to Open COVID-19 Mobile Screening and Testing Sites
The Charleston County Public Safety Directorate, including EMS and Emergency Management, is partnering with Fetter Heath Care Network (FHCN) to offer mobile COVID-19 screening and testing sites. The mobile site will be in different communities across Charleston County beginning May 4, 2020. Screening and testing will be conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Each site will include walk-up and drive-thru stations.

Mobile Testing Dates and Locations:

• May 4: Royal Baptist Church, 461 Luella Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405
• May 5: Charity Baptist Church, 544 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405
• May 6: Fetter Healthcare, 5225 SC-165, Hollywood, SC 29449
• May 7: Jane Edwards Elementary, 1960 Jane Edwards Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438
• May 8: Magistrate Court, 995 Morrison Dr., Charleston, SC 29403
• May 11: St. James Presbyterian, 1314 Secessionville Road, Charleston, SC 29412
• May 12: Johns Island Library, 3531 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455
• May 13: Wadmalaw Island – Location TBD
• May 14: Church of Christ, 3950 Azalea Drive, North Charleston 29405
• May 15: Life Center Ministry, 7190 Cross County Road, North Charleston 29418
• May 18: North Charleston Comm. Resource Center, 3970 Whipper Barony Lane 29405

Individuals experiencing cough, fever and shortness of breath can request a screening at www.FetterCovid19Screening.org or by calling 1-800-365-7410 to connect with a FHCN provider who will determine the need for testing. Citizens are asked to wear face coverings and practice safe social distancing while at the mobile testing site.

Currently, all insurance providers in South Carolina are covering the cost of COVID-19 testing. Patient insurance information will be processed in order to complete testing. No co-pays or deductibles are being charged. All patients will be served regardless of their ability to pay.

Short-Term Rental Restrictions Remain in Effect until May 15th
The town’s temporary restrictions on short-term rental units remain in effect until May 15th. As a reminder:

• Short-term rental guests are prohibited from "checking-in" or otherwise occupying a short-term rental unit through 11:59 pm on May 15th.
• Owners and managers of all short-term rental units within the town are prohibited from accepting new reservations for stays commencing on or before May 15th.
• Owners, managers and anyone else involved in the advertising of a short-term rental unit within the town are prohibited from advertising the unit’s availability through May 15th.
• Where provided, any online booking calendars for such units (including Airbnb, VRBO, Homeaway, etc.) shall indicate that the unit is not available until after May 15th.

The short-term rental restrictions do not apply to rental agreements of more than 28 days (90 days for residents of New York, New Jersey or Connecticut), or to members of the property owner's immediate family, including a parent, sibling, child, spouse, grandparent or grandchild.

In addition to the temporary restrictions on advertising and new check-ins for short-term rental units, all rental properties operating within the town are required to have a valid town business license.

The town’s code enforcement officers are actively working to identify, investigate and enforce alleged violations of the town’s ordinances. Violations of a town ordinance can carry fines of up to $500.00 per day (plus state assessments and surcharges). Individuals who are found guilty of violating a town ordinance may also be subject to a suspension or revocation of their business license. To report a possible violation, please call (843) 768-9121 or email [email protected].

Social Distancing on the Beach
The beaches of Seabrook Island remain open for recreational activities. When visiting the beach, residents and their guests are reminded that groups of more than 10 individuals are prohibited by ordinance from congregating outside the home. This requirement applies to ALL groups, including members of the same family or household. All individuals, regardless of whether visiting the beach alone or in a group, should practice “social distancing” by maintaining a minimum separation of 6 feet from others. The town’s beach patrol and code enforcement officers are authorized to enforce these requirements and may order the dispersal of large groups. Violators are also subject to fines of up to $500.00 per day (plus state assessments and surcharges) upon conviction.

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 [email protected]. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers and Beach Patrol 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. 
• Wear a Face Covering or Mask: The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings or masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (such as grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

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