Good afternoon Island residents,

The Town of Sullivan’s Island, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Charleston County Emergency Management Division, Town of Mt. Pleasant and City of Isle of Palms, continues to monitor the rapidly emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and preparing for potential impacts.  At this time DHEC has confirmed 47 cases of COVID-19 in 13 South Carolina counties with 3 cases in Charleston County.

In a press conference at 4pm this afternoon, Governor McMaster has ordered that effective Wednesday March 18, 2020 all food and beverage establishments shall close for dine in service; however, restaurants shall have the ability to provide take out options. Secretary of Commerce Robert Hitt recognized that the pandemic will have an adverse impact on food and beverage  businesses. Residents are encouraged to support Island restaurants through the take out option and/or purchase gift certificates for use when the pandemic ends.

As noted earlier, the Town is in OPCON 2 status meaning a disaster or emergency is likely to affect the Island; the Town Hall is closed for in person business with service provided remotely; the Municipal Emergency Operations Center is partially activated from 8am to 5pm to monitor the situation and respond to emergencies; and, emergency operations planning and staffing are activated.  

For information about contacting Town Hall staff visit the Town website at www.sullivansisland.sc.gov. For information regarding COVID-19 visit the websites for South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) or the Center for Disease Control (CDC),  Additionally, you can obtain information from the Citizens’ Information Line at Charleston County by dialing 843-746-3900.  Likewise, the local news media is providing adequate coverage of the pandemic.

To repeat earlier information about symptoms and care please note:

Patients with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness.  Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina at this time.  Potential exposure could come if patients have been in close contact to a person known to have COVID-19, or if they have recently traveled to and from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread.  The CDC is urging individuals concerned about their exposure risk to COVID-19 to call their doctor.  Calling your healthcare provider first gives them the opportunity to triage patients and determine the best course of action, and could help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The CDC recommends taking the following preventive measures:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water, if hands are visibly dirty.

Residents can be confident that Sullivan’s Island Police and Fire Departments are fully staffed and standing by at the ready to provide assistance.  In the event of an emergency dial 9-1-1 for assistance and for non-emergency assistance from Police, Fire or Water and Sewer contact Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch at 843-743-7200.

Reverting with further details as necessary.

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator