James Island Town Council voted to give James Island Outreach $15,000 and the Lowcountry Covid-19 Relief and Recovery fund  $5,000 at its April 16th meeting.  James Island Outreach, a wellness food pantry supported by local churches, has been serving the needy on James Island and Folly Beach for over 30 years. JIO also helps with utility bills and medical bill when funds are available. The main fund raiser for JIO, “The Taste of James Island,’ was scheduled for April 18. That was canceled because of the pandemic, when growing unemployment on James Island and Folly Beach has created an unprecedented need for food assistance.

JIO operations have changed for the safety of staff, volunteers and clients. The buildings are closed. Food donations can be dropped off on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Food is distributed Saturday morning with a drive through, volunteers fill up trunks with bags of dry goods, canned goods, eggs, baked good, toilet paper and soap. JIO has also been giving out Disaster Relief boxes from Lowcounty Food Bank.

The Town of James Island held it’s virtual Town Council meeting on April 16, and passed two additional emergency ordinances. The first emergency ordinance enacted the State-Wide Burn ban within the Town’s limits, except as it pertains to recreational campfires. The second emergency ordinance prohibits accepting any new applications requiring a public hearing for the next 60 days.
Both of those ordinances, along with the previous ordinances, can be found here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/emergency-ordinances-

Town Council also voted to help fund COVID-19 relief measures, including $15,000 to the James Island Outreach Food Pantry and $5,000 to the COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Fund. The Town is grateful to these organizations for all they are doing to help our James Island and Low Country residents during this difficult time.

For food, housing, and financial assistance for you or your family members, please direct them to call or visit 211 - www.sc211.org

NEW ORDER from the GOVERNOR – Boat Ramps and access to public waters were reopened effective April 17th at Noon. Limitations on boating and use of boat ramps are still in effect and can be viewed here: http://dnr.sc.gov/news/2020/apr/a16_boatramp.php

The Governor’s Mandatory "Stay at Home or Work" order is still in effect.

For a full listing of the Governor’s Executive Orders, visit: https://governor.sc.gov/executive-branch/executive-orders

JAMES ISLAND – As of April 16th, James Island (29412) currently has 8 cases testing positive for COVID-19. Keep in mind this number fluctuates as cases past the 14 days of projected infection are removed from the count. Many more people are likely infected and have not yet shown symptoms or are already ill and have not been tested. SCDHEC is estimating a factor of 9 which would imply as many as 180 total cases on Jame Island. The positive cases are due to exposure in the past. To control spread of this disease, we must continue to practice social distancing now. Remain at least six feet away from other people, especially for extended periods of time (30 minutes or more.) Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Help protect your fellow James Islanders by wearing a cloth mask when making necessary trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, or for health care.

For peak demand statistics in South Carolina, visit https://covid19.healthdata.org/projections

ECONOMIC RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment. For more information regarding what to expect, please visit https://www.irs.gov/…/economic-impact-payments-what-you-nee…

Small Business Loans including bridge loans with advances up to $10,000 that doesn't have to be paid back, visit - www.sba.gov<http://www.sba.gov>

Charleston Chamber Resource Page https://www.charlestonchamber.org/coronavirus-resources/...

CDC Guidance for Business Community https://www.cdc.gov/…/commu…/guidance-business-response.html

Low Country Local First
https://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/what-were-doing-to-help-o…/

TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND

Town Hall Operations - The Town Hall lobby is closed to the public. However, the Town continues to provide services via phone, email and through drop box operations. Many of our forms are available on our website at http://www.jamesislandsc.us/forms-and-documents and can be emailed into appropriate staff. Staff contact information can be found here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/.…/flyer_emergency-provision-of-...

The Town has closed its two parks; Pinckney Park and Dock Street Park. Charleston County Parks and Recreation and the City of Charleston have also closed their park systems. Beaches are still closed.

Mayor Woolsey issued an Emergency Proclamation regarding permitting Bed and Breakfasts within the Town’s jurisdiction. No new short-term and long-term reservations shall be made and any new check-ins are prohibited for the next 30 days effective immediately. Visitors who are currently checked in may remain until the end of their existing reservations. A violation of this Proclamation may result in fines and imprisonment as prescribed in Section 10.99 of the Town of James Island Code of Ordinances. This proclamation may be viewed here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/…/emergency-proclamation---bb.p…

The James Island Public Service District Administrative Office is closed the public. Payments for sewer service can be mailed or made electronically. For Wastewater Emergencies ONLY please Call 843-795-2345. The JIPSD has delayed cutoffs of sewer service. Garbage (Roller-bin) service yard debris pickup continues as usual. Pick-up of bulk items and construction waste is suspended. The JIPSD fire stations are closed to the public. For more information: https://www.jipsd.org/

Charleston County has activated a help line you can call from 9 am to 5 pm with questions concerning the pandemic. That number is 1-843-746-3900. Charleston County courts lobby will be open from 10-2 weekdays but only for drop box deliveries. Anything else you should call ahead for instructions. All Charleston County Office Buildings are closed to the public with services available by phone or email. For more information visit: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/clickandgo.php

Charleston County School District has temporarily closed all schools thru April 30th.
Charleston County School District will be offering a drive-thru "Grab & Go" Style Meal Service consisting of breakfast and lunch for students at 15 sites within the District. The site on James Island is Harborview Elementary School. Pick-ups are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm.
For more information and a full list of meal sites and information on further updates on distance learning, please visit www.ccsdschools.com<http://www.ccsdschools.com>

CDC GUIDANCE - The Town of James Island recommends citizens follow the guidelines from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
DHEC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.scdhec.gov/…/…/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children: https://www.cdc.gov/…/201…/specific-groups/children-faq.html
Those with questions about COVID-19 can call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. Staff is answering calls Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are experiencing symptoms, MUSC is offering free drive-thru testing at the West Ashley Citadel Mall. Please complete the information on MUSC telehealth to get an appointment before going to the drive-thru. MUSC Tele-health: https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html. You can also call 843-792-2300.

The Town remains vigilant in monitoring Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its continuing impact on our region by making every effort to educate our staff and the public. Updates will be released and posted to the Town's website at www.jamesislandsc.us<http://www.jamesislandsc.us>, the Town's social media platforms, and distributed to our email distribution list. Send an email to info@jamesislandsc.us<mailto:info@jamesislandsc.us> to subscribe to our weekly meeting notifications and news releases.

This is a reminder that this Town Council meeting will be hosted tonight virtually via Zoom and it will also be live streamed on the Town's youTube channel.The links can be found on the agenda in the attached meeting packet for public participation. 

As a reminder Town Council will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at 7 p.m. by use of the Zoom platform. The meeting agenda has been amended and can be found here. Please see instructions on agenda for participation.

The Town of James Island remains at OPCON Level 2 and in a state of emergency due to COVID-19.

Mayor Woolsey issued an Emergency Proclamation today regarding permitting Bed and Breakfasts within the Town’s jurisdiction. No new short-term and long-term reservations shall be made and any new check-ins are prohibited for the next 30 days effective immediately. Visitors who are currently checked in may remain until the end of their existing reservations. A violation of this Proclamation may result in fines and imprisonment as prescribed in Section 10.99 of the Town of James Island Code of Ordinances. This proclamation may be viewed here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/Data/Sites/1/media/emergency/emergency-proclamation---bb.pdf

UPDATES SINCE LAST NEWS RELEASE:

For food, housing, and financial assistance for you or your family members, please direct them to call or visit 211 -  www.sc211.org

JAMES ISLAND – As of April 13th, James Island (29412) currently has 20 cases testing positive for COVID-19.  Keep in mind this number fluctuates as cases past the 14 days of projected infection are removed from the count. Many more people are likely infected and have not yet shown symptoms or are already ill and have not been tested.   SCDHEC is estimating a factor of 9 which would imply as many as 180 total cases on Jame Island.  The positive cases are due to exposure in the past. To control spread of this disease, we must continue to practice social distancing now.

Peak demand for hospitalization in South Carolina is projected to be April 30th. https://covid19.healthdata.org/projections  This is 6 days later than the previous estimate but may change with new information. The danger from contagion will likely be increasing for the next several weeks.

Remain at least six feet away from other people, especially for extended periods of time (30 minutes or more.) Wash your hands often with soap and water. Avoid touching your face. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Help protect your fellow James Islanders by wearing a cloth mask when making necessary trips to grocery stores, pharmacies, or for health care.

 STAY AT HOME!

The Governor has issued a Mandatory "Stay at Home or Work" order that went into effect on Tuesday April 7th at 5 pm.

The Governor says everyone should stay at home unless they are working, visiting family, obtaining necessary goods and services or enjoying outdoor recreation and exercise while maintaining social distancing. 

Retailers Businesses must limit customers to no more than five per 1,000 square feet or 20% of the capacity determined by the State Fire Marshal.
Violating this order is a misdemeanor, and can result in a 30 day jail sentence or a $1000 fine.

ADDITIONAL ORDERS FROM THE GOVERNOR

Governor McMaster has expanded his original order closing non-essential businesses to now include the following types of stores: furniture, jewelry, department, clothing and shoes, florists, books, crafts and music stores.   Stores that can remain open include grocery stories, gas stations, hardware stores, home improvement stores and firearm retailers.This order will go into effect Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m.

His  previous order closed entertainment venues and facilities, recreational and athletic facilities and activities, along with close-contact service providers such as barbershop, hair salons, nail salons and massage services. All businesses allowed to remain open should practice social distancing to protect both their employees and customers.
https://www.cdc.gov/.../commu.../guidance-business-response.html<https://www.cdc.gov/%E2%80%A6/commu%E2%80%A6/guidance-business-response.html>

 Short-term rentals throughout the state have been closed to people traveling from coronavirus hotspots across the country. This includes hotels, short-term rentals, vacation homes, B&B's, timeshares, etc.

The Governor has closed all public access to beaches and boat landings including those on James Island and Folly Beach.

ECONOMIC RECOVERY ASSISTANCE

The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that distribution of economic impact payments will begin in the next three weeks and will be distributed automatically, with no action required for most people. However, some taxpayers who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple tax return to receive the economic impact payment. For more information regarding what to expect, please visit https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know

Small Business Loans including bridge loans with advances up to $10,000 that doesn't have to be paid back, visit - www.sba.gov<http://www.sba.gov>

Charleston Chamber Resource Page https://www.charlestonchamber.org/coronavirus-resources/...

CDC Guidance for Business Community https://www.cdc.gov/.../commu.../guidance-business-response.html

Low Country Local First
https://lowcountrylocalfirst.org/what-were-doing-to-help-o.../

TOWN OF JAMES ISLAND AND SURROUNDING AGENCIES- Town Council held a special meeting on April 1st authorizing the use of electronic meetings for Town committees and councils, except the Board of Zoning Appeals. Town Council will be holding it's regularly-scheduled Town Council meeting on April 16th via Zoom and it will be also be live-streamed on the Town's YouTube channel, link found here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/videos-and-meeting-archive. The agenda and information on how to provide public comment can be found here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/town-council-agendas-minutes

On March 19, 2020, James Island Town Council adopted an emergency ordinance that deferred the Town's collection of hospitality taxes for 60 days due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Businesses are asked to continue to collect taxes from patrons, but the businesses are not required to remit those monies at this time. Once collections resume you will be able to submit payments without penalty for the months deferred. Town Council also deferred enforcement of the plastics ban for 60 days, closed its parks, and allowed teleworking for non-essential employees.

Town Hall Operations - The Town Hall lobby is closed to the public. However, the Town continues to provide services via phone, email and through drop box operations. Many of our forms are available on our website at http://www.jamesislandsc.us/forms-and-documents and can be emailed into appropriate staff. Staff contact information can be found here: http://www.jamesislandsc.us/.../flyer_emergency-provision-of-...

The Town has closed its two parks; Pinckney Park and Dock Street Park. Charleston County Parks and Recreation and the City of Charleston have also closed their park systems.

The James Island Public Service District Administrative Office is closed the public.  Payments for sewer service can be mailed or made electronically.  For Wastewater Emergencies ONLY please Call 843-795-2345. The JIPSD has delayed cutoffs of sewer service.  Garbage (Roller-bin) service yard debris pickup continues as usual.  Pick-up of bulk items and construction waste is suspended.  The JIPSD fire stations are closed to the public.  For more information: https://www.jipsd.org/

Charleston County has activated a help line you can call from 9 am to 5 pm with questions concerning the pandemic. That number is 1-843-746-3900. Charleston County courts lobby will be open from 10-2 weekdays but only for drop box deliveries.  Anything else you should call ahead for instructions. All Charleston County Office Buildings are closed to the public with services available by phone or email. For more information visit: https://www.charlestoncounty.org/clickandgo.php

Charleston County School District has temporarily closed all schools thru April 30th.
Charleston County School District will be offering a drive-thru "Grab & Go" Style Meal Service consisting of breakfast and lunch for students at 15 sites within the District. The site on James Island is Harborview Elementary School. Pick-ups are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday between the hours of 11 am and 1 pm.
For more information and a full list of meal sites and information on further updates on distance learning, please visit www.ccsdschools.com<http://www.ccsdschools.com>

CDC GUIDANCE - The Town of James Island recommends citizens follow the guidelines from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
DHEC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.scdhec.gov/.../.../coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) homepage: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and Children: https://www.cdc.gov/.../201.../specific-groups/children-faq.html
Those with questions about COVID-19 can call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432. Staff is answering calls Monday - Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

If you are experiencing symptoms, MUSC is offering free drive-thru testing at the West Ashley Citadel Mall. Please complete the information on MUSC telehealth to get an appointment before going to the drive-thru. MUSC Tele-health: https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html. You can also call 843-792-2300.

The Town remains vigilant in monitoring Coronavirus/COVID-19 and its continuing impact on our region by making every effort to educate our staff and the public. Updates will be released and posted to the Town's website at www.jamesislandsc.us<http://www.jamesislandsc.us>, the Town's social media platforms, and distributed to our email distribution list. Send an email to info@jamesislandsc.us<mailto:info@jamesislandsc.us> to subscribe to our weekly meeting notifications and news releases.