News Flash

Town of Bluffton Spotlight

Posted on: April 23, 2020

COVID-19 Information

Town of Bluffton leaders remain in close communication with federal, state and regional officials including representatives the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and area healthcare systems on the situation related to the coronavirus.

In addition, Town officials are working to review and update Town plans, policies and procedures to reflect all current recommendations and best practices.

About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

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.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.
  - DO
    - Wear masks to help protect yourself from getting or spreading COVID-19
    - Wear masks with two or more layers to stop the spread of COVID-19
    - Wear the mask over your nose and mouth and secure it under your child
  - DO NOT
    - Put masks on someone two years and younger
    - Put masks on people who have trouble breathing, or people who cannot remove the mask without assistance
    - Wear masks intended for healthcare workers, for example, N95 respirators

Latest Updates

Resources to assist with supervision for students while parents work
Town of Bluffton unanimously votes to emergency ordinance requiring individuals to wear face coverings in light of the COVID-19 pandemic (August 26, 2020)
- Frequently Asked Questions as they relate to the Town of Bluffton face coverings ordinance
Town of Bluffton COVID-19 Dashboard
Centers for Disease Control Latest Updates
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Latest Updates
Vaccine Information
- Local vaccine distribution: South Carolinians, age 70 and older, are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Representatives from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) are requesting patience with the process due to heavy demand. The registration process is as follows:
  - Eligible Phase 1a (i.e. healthcare workers, long-term care facility residents, hospital patients who are 65 years or older and people who are 70 years old or older) are encouraged to set an appointment as soon as possible. Individuals are required to show a form of identification verifying they are in Phase 1a at the time of vaccination.
  - Information about available appointments can be found using DHEC’s online map at //scdhec.gov/vaxlocator. This online map will show the locations currently accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccine. The map itself is not a way to schedule an appointment; it only provides the contact information for appointments at those locations. The map will be updated often so you will need to monitor it regularly for information.
  - Appointments need to be scheduled. Residents needs to bring a driver’s license or other form of identification. South Carolina residency is NOT a requirement.
  - Individuals are encouraged to schedule their second shot as soon as they can. It is important individuals receive both doses of the same brand vaccine to ensure they are fully vaccinated.
  - If you have questions, please call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.