Town of Seabrook Island COVID-19 Update

Town Council Repeals Mandatory Mask Ordinance and Other Emergency Restrictions

May 13, 2021 – 2:00 pm

Emergency Ordinance No. 2021-03
During an emergency meeting on May 13, 2021, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Emergency Ordinance 2021-03, which repealed and replaced all prior emergency restrictions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Effective immediately, the town has:

  • Repealed the mandatory face covering requirement at business establishments within the town;
  • Repealed all emergency restrictions on gatherings and group congregations;
  • Repealed all emergency restrictions and guidelines on commercial and restaurant operations;
  • Extended emergency provisions related to the remote conduct of town meetings;
  • Extended emergency provisions related to the issuance of temporary use permits;
  • Extended the expiration date for new and existing building permits; and
  • Encouraged all individuals within the Town of Seabrook Island who are eligible under state and federal guidelines to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in an effort to protect their own health and safety and to minimize community spread among other residents, visitors and employees within the Town.

While the mandatory mask ordinance has been repealed, the town continues to encourage individuals – especially unvaccinated individuals – to wear a face covering in public settings where they are, will be, or reasonably could be located in close proximity to others who are not members of the same household and where it is not feasible to maintain six (6) feet of separation.

Additionally, Emergency Ordinance 2021-03 does not prohibit any businesses or other establishment from developing and implementing its own requirements, restrictions or guidelines, whether related to face coverings or other hygiene-related measures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow any such requirements when entering the premises of an establishment.

Vaccine Resources

There are currently three vaccines which have been granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and which have been proven to be safe and effective at preventing COVID-19.

All individuals 12 years of age and older are now eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. The Town of Seabrook Island encourages all individuals to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Virtual Care and Testing Resources

MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis continue to offer free virtual care screenings to individuals experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you or a loved one are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19, you are encouraged to speak with a provider and, if necessary, be referred for a COVID-19 test. Use the promo code “COVID19” when you log in.

Protect Yourself and Others

To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals take the following precautions:

  • Get Vaccinated: The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 12 years of age and older to help protect against COVID-19.
  • Wear a Face Covering or Mask: The CDC recommends that unvaccinated individuals should wear cloth face coverings or masks in public settings when social distancing is not being practiced.
  • Social Distancing: Maintain at least six feet of separation between yourself and others who are not members of the same household. 
  • Get Tested: Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19, have traveled, attended large social/mass gatherings or been in crowded indoor settings, or have been referred to get testing by your healthcare provider or local health department.
  • 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. 

More Information
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:

Property owners and managers with rental guests should forward this information to their rental guests. Owners and managers of commercial establishments are also encouraged to share this information with their employees.

-Submitted by Joseph Cronin, Town Administrator