News Flash

Town of Bluffton Spotlight

Posted on: March 1, 2021

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)

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.

Latest Update from the Town of Bluffton as of April 4, 2021

U.S. View (Source: covid.cdc.gov)

30,596,830 Confirmed Cases in the United States since 2/26/20
554,420 Total Deaths in the United States since 2/26/20
62,167 7-Day Moving Average – average change has ticked up marginally
169M Vaccines administered
41.7% U.S. Population having received at least the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
24.4% U.S. Population having been completely vaccinated

South Carolina View (Source: scdhec.gov/covid19)

557,803 Confirmed Cases in South Carolina since 3/4/20
9204 Total Deaths in South Carolina since 3/4/20
871 7-Day Moving Average – average change has gone down this week
2,195,272 Vaccines administered in SC
34.0% SC Population receiving at least the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine
19.5% SC Population having been completely vaccinated

Beaufort County View (Source: scdhec.gov/covid19)

16,244 Confirmed Cases in Beaufort County since 3/4/20
198 Total Deaths in Beaufort County since 3/4/20
147 NEW Cases confirmed in Beaufort County in the WEEK ending 3/28/21
57,824 County residents having received at least the first dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

Bluffton View (Source: scdhec.gov/covid19)

Cases by Zip Code Since 3/4/20:
- 29909 –1156
- 29910 – 4478
New Cases last week – 3/22-3/28:
- 29909 - 19
- 29910 - 46

Additional Information

Beginning Wednesday March 24, 2021 Tenet Health (Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospitals) will move all of their vaccination programing to the Buckwalter Recreation Center at 905 Buckwalter Parkway in Bluffton.
- Vaccinations will remain BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- Appointments will be schedule Wednesdays through Fridays between 9am and 5pm
- Appointments for vaccination can be scheduled: By visiting at www.bit.ly/CCHHvaccinesignup or by calling (843) 689-7282
Beginning Monday April 5, 2021 Tenet Health (Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina Hospitals) will be adjusting their COVID TESTING schedules. Both hospitals will provide free drive through COVID TESTING only Mondays and Thursdays between 8am and 12pm. Outside those time frames if you need testing you should contact your personal doctor.
Beginning Wednesday March 31, 2021 all South Carolinians at least 16 years old and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
- Visit www.vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov online or call the SCDHEC COVID-19 Assistance line at 1-866-365-8110.
  SCDHEC reminds everyone, COVID is only a single health concern. It is vitally important that all residents continue all of their routine health screenings and be sure to “put your whole health first!”
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tells us it is common for vaccine recipients to experience some common side effects such as:
- Pain and/or swelling in the arm where vaccinated
- Headache, Tiredness, Chills, and Mild Fever
- Contact your physician if any of these side effects become severe.
The Governor has rescinded most restrictions but still recommends all precautions be taken. Furthermore, he specifically stated in his order that local governments can still create, have, enforce, or rescind COVID safety ordinances as they see fit. (This includes mask ordinances)
- Any business in South Carolina may require masks or any other safety measure they see fit in order to enter their place of business.
- To see Executive Orders as they are posted, visit http://bit.ly/SCExecutiveOrders