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Breach Inlet has restricted access due to the current sand refurbishment project.

COVID-19 Resident Message #8

Tue, 03/31/2020

Good afternoon Island residents,

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a rapidly evolving situation.  The Town of Sullivan’s Island, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), the Centers 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 prepare for potential impacts.  Earlier this morning during a conference call DHEC confirmed 1083 cases of COVID-19 in 42 South Carolina counties with 140 cases in Charleston County and 6 cases confirmed on Sullivan’s Island.  Sadly, there are 18 recorded deaths in the State as a result of the virus.

Below please find the latest information available for the Town:

  1. As a reminder to citizens, the Town of Sullivan’s Island administrative offices at Town Hall remain closed to the public until further notice. Services are available with limited staff by telephone or email during normal business hours.  Please expect some delays in response as staff is required to work remotely. 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.
  1. As a result of behavior at other area beaches this past weekend, Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-16 PDF which closes all public access points to the state beaches as well as all public boat ramps, landings and other access points on the lakes, rivers and waterways of the state. The Governor commented to the media that the order does not intend to impact the rights of private property owners living on the beaches, lakes, rivers or waterways. The Town has posted each beach path as CLOSED until further notice.
  1. Pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 2020-16 the following will apply to Sullivan’s Island:
    • Checkpoint on SC703 will remain in effect until further notice between the hours of 7am to 7pm
    • Access to Sullivan’s Island at the checkpoint will be given to:
      • Sullivan’s Island residents with a windshield decal
      • Sullivan’s Island residents that present proof of ownership (deed, tax bill, utility bill, rental lease agreement, etc.)
      • Contractors, general laborers, service vendors, etc. with a current business license
      • Delivery services (FedEX, UPS, Uber Eats)
      • Health care providers
    • Sullivan’s Island residents continue to have access through Isle of Palms connector (SC517) with a windshield sticker or proof of residence; likewise, Isle of Palms residents continue to have access via SC703
    • Those who are turned away include:
      • Off-island residents destined for the beach by car, bicycle or foot
      • Off-island residents with boat in tow seeking to launch from Sullivan’s Island
  1. Earlier under Executive Order 2014-14 the Governor requires all visitors to South Carolina from the states of Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, the city of New Orleans and any other area deemed to be at high risk for COVID-19 infection to immediately isolate or self-quarantine for 14 days or for the duration of the individual’s presence in South Carolina, whichever is shorter. Failure to comply could result in a $100 fine or up to 30 days in jail.

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. 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 or consult one of the virtual screening locations at:

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.

Reverting with further details when available.

Regards,

Andy Benke
Town Administrator