Monitoring Coronavirus / COVID - 19

As seen in the news, more cases of the coronavirus, COVID-19, have been diagnosed in the United States. Today, the Kiawah Emergency Management Committee (which includes representatives from each island entity) participated in the Tri-County conference call with the Charleston County Emergency Management Department regarding the potential impact. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO), the immediate health risk is still low. South Carolina currently has no confirmed cases. Best heath practices to prevent and avoid the spread of respiratory diseases include: Avoid close contact with people who show signs of a respiratory illness. Stay home if you are sick.  Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer. Cover your cough and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects regularly with these recommended disinfectant products. The CDC does not suggest people who are well to wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the virus to others.

Call your primary care physician first if you develop symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) and/or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19.  Be mindful to only rely on emergency management officials and credible organizations for information. The Town will continue to monitor and communicate as necessary. More information can be found on the CDC website.

Parkway Improvement Project Update

The Kiawah Island Parkway Improvement Project will not begin until Sunday (weather temperatures permitting). Following their mobilization, construction crews will be working from the roundabout at Freshfields to the main gate. Starting March 8 through May 12, anticipate intermittent traffic delays and evening single-lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The bike path from the main gate to Freshfields will remain open. Please allow extra time for travel. Learn more

2020 Census

Be on the lookout for your Census questionnaire! The 2020 Census is more than just a headcount. T he data is used in determining representation in Congress, boundaries for voting and school districts, and allocation of billions of dollars in funding for many federal programs. Y our participation is important. The 2020 Census marks the first time you will have the option to respond online.

Response methods include: • Online response  www.2020census.gov • Mail-back paper response • Calls to the questionnaire assistance hotline 844-330-2020

The Red Knots Are Here!

They're here! The Red knots have arrived. These squatty shorebirds have a somewhat anonymous look when they first arrive, but are unmistakable by the spring, when they change to their breeding plumage (rust red).

Red knots are noted for their extraordinary long-distance migrations from South America to the Arctic traveling over 18,000 miles roundtrip, sometimes flying for 6-8 days continuously without stopping. Red knots are on the threatened list under the Endangered Species Act. Disturbance by people and dogs can have detrimental effects on the bird’s survival and is also an ordinance violation.

Shorebird Stewardship Kickoff

Join the Kiawah Shorebird Stewardship Program! Stewards serve as advocates to protect shorebirds and their critical habitats by teaching residents and guests about the birds. No experience is required, and training on the key bird species and how to engage with the public is provided. The 2020 season kickoff meeting will be Tuesday, March 17 from 2-4 p.m. at the Municipal Center. Everyone is invited. Learn more

Community Wide Resiliency Efforts

While Kiawah has proven itself to be resilient and adaptable to ever-changing coastal conditions, we cannot ignore the significant role that the ocean and rivers play in community planning. The Town, alongside all the island entities, is taking a proactive approach to address the issue of flood mitigation and sea-level rise. Look for the resiliency icon above in future communications that highlight projects and information on resiliency efforts. Check out the research projects below for more information. New Tidal Station Groundwater Table Research Marsh Vulnerability Study

Violation Hotline

Report ordinance violations to the 24-hour hotline 843-259-2137 or through the online submittal form .

Arts & Cultural Events

Charleston Men's Chorus Saturday March 14, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. Church of Our Saviour No Charge Tickets available now

Previously Mentioned

You have seen these announcements before, but here it is one more time in case you missed it.

Quarter 1 Town Notes Published Market Analysis Study Parkway Improvement Project

Committee Meetings

Public Works Committee March 9 | 10 a.m. Board of Zoning Appeals March 16 | 3 p.m.

Environmental Committee March 10 | 2 p.m. Audit Committee March 19 | 1 p.m.

Public Safety Committee March 11 | 11:30 a.m. Ways and Means Committee March 24 | 2 p.m.

Agendas are available here. Meeting dates and times sometimes change. Before attending a meeting, be sure to check our website.

(843) 768-9166 www.kiawahisland.org

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