City of Beaufort leaders issue shelter in place order

On Monday, the City of Beaufort approved a Shelter in Place ordinance during an emergency meeting that was held digitally, at noon.

The order requires those who live with the City of Beaufort limits to stay home, however, it says that residents can still go out for exercise and essential services like groceries and medicine and to go to work.

The order goes into effect Tuesday, April 7th at 1am.

The ordinance is set to expire April 30th and a curfew is not in effect at this time, officials say they don’t see one coming in the near future either.

The ordinance reinforces Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive orders last week that ordered non-essential businesses closed, ranging from hair salons to fitness studios to department stores.  

City Council members acknowledged that they did not have the authority to “keep people in their house” but they believed that the severity of the coronavirus spread in Beaufort County made it important for council to urge via official language that people stay at home.

“Before you leave your house, ask yourself, is this really essential,” said Councilman Stephen Murray. “If the answer is no, stay put,” he added. 

“This is unprecedented. This is about saving lives,” said Councilwoman Nan Sutton. “If one of your family members gets sick, you do not get to go into the hospital with them.” 

As of April 5, Beaufort County had 156 confirmed cases of COVID-19, one of the highest per-capita rates in the State of South Carolina. “We are seeing rapid growth in the county,” said City Manager Bill Prokop. 

The ordinance does not prevent people from going out to their yards or neighborhoods or City parks for walks, bike rides, and other forms of exercise, as long as social distancing (keeping six feet away from others besides immediate family) is observed. 

It also does not prevent anyone from going to grocery stores, hardware stores, or pharmacies, although residents are urged to keep visits to a minimum, and if possible, have one person from a household do the shopping. 

It also does not prevent anyone from going to work, unless a business has been deemed by Gov. McMaster to be non-essential and has already closed. However, employers are urged to allow as many employees as possible to work from home. 

The ordinance gives the Beaufort police officers and code inspectors the ability to issue a civil citation if they observe non-compliance.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the City Ordinance, to avoid any confusion

SHOPPING:

Q. Can I still go to the grocery store, etc.?
A. Grocery stores, hardware stores, and pharmacies are the primary retail operations that continue to be open as they are considered essential businesses. We are asking you to keep your shopping to a minimum, and to ask yourself before you go out if this trip is essential. If you do go out, please wear gloves if you have them, a mask if you have it, and bring wipes. (If you do not have gloves, plastic produce bags make handy mittens while shopping). Please observe social distancing at stores. If possible, have only one person per household make a shopping trip.

RECREATION & EXERCISE:

Q. Are you going to come after me if I am at a park or riding my bike on the Spanish Moss Trail?
A. No! We recognize that now, more than ever, individuals and families need to get out for fresh air and exercise. We have beautiful neighborhoods and neighborhood parks. Please observe social distancing when you see others on the sidewalks, parks, or trails. No more than three people should be in a group, except for immediate family.
Q. Can I meet friends for a picnic in the park?
A. No. That is not an essential activity. Also, all bathrooms in City parks are closed.
Q. Can I walk my dog?
A. Yes.
Q. Can I go out in my boat?
A. Public docks in the City of Beaufort are closed. If you have a private dock, and take your boat out, do not stop at the sandbar in the Beaufort River. The Department of Natural Resources is patrolling the river and will stop boaters from gathering. See McMaster’s executive order.

MEDICAL:

Q. Can I visit a family member or friend in the hospital?
A. Beaufort Memorial Hospital has greatly restricted visitor access to patients, even immediate family. All waiting rooms are closed to visitors. No visitors are allowed, except for maternity, pediatric, and end- of-life patients, but even those have restrictions.
Q. Can I leave the house to go to the doctor or dentist?
A. Many Beaufort Memorial primary care physicians have begun tele-
health visits instead of office visits. Please call your doctor or dentist to get specific information – but if
the appointment can wait, reschedule. BMH outpatient information.
Q. Can I take my pet to the vet?
A. If it’s an emergency, yes. If not, please wait.

STRESS AND ANXIETY

Q. What help is there for the stress we are all experiencing?
A. Here are some resources:
South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers family support network calls several times a week. Find it here.
The CDC offers suggestions on managing stress during this time. Find it here.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers a resource guide. Find it here.

SOCIAL DISTANCING ABUSES

Q. If I see a group of people who appear not to be following social distancing guidelines, or observe other possible infractions, whom should I contact?
A. Please email CityCodes@Cityofbeaufort.org. Concerns will be prioritized and addressed as appropriate and as time allows.