Full Notification

Coronavirus (COVID-19)
March 25, 2020 11AM
 
The Jasper County Council and Jasper County Emergency Services have been working diligently to prepare and respond to COVID-19. We remain in contact with State and other local agencies on a daily basis.  Public Safety agencies have received some personal protective equipment for first responders with more on order. 
 
Currently, the United States has the third-largest population infected with COVID-19. Currently, The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is reporting 342 citizens infected throughout the state, seven deaths in the state, and two citizens of Jasper County are infected.
 
Governor Henry McMaster has issued an executive order for law enforcement to disperse groups larger than three people with authority to charge them with a misdemeanor. This order does not apply to businesses or employers, although when a business can honor this request, it is preferred. Employees that can work from home, we ask employers to encourage them to do so. Governor McMaster also has ordered public schools to be closed until April 30.
 
With this virus, a person can have it and transmit it to others for up to fourteen days before they even experience symptoms. With the common Flu, a person is a carrier for up to three days before they may experience symptoms. 
 
The only way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is for every citizen to assist with several measures:
 

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds often
• Avoid touching your face
• Stay home as much as possible with windows and doors open when possible versus using HVAC
• Limit visitations from family and friends if they must occur practice social distancing outside
• Practice social distancing by maintaining 6 feet of distance from others
• Disinfect commonly touched objects regularly at minimum once a day (doorknobs/handles, light switches, keyboards, phones, etc.)

 
Currently, Jasper County Government offices are closed to the public as a social distancing measure. Businesses that remain open we ask that they take steps to protect employees and consumers. When possible, restrict access to the building by having employees meet customers outside to conduct business.
 
           Obtain information from trusted sources:
Centers for Disease Control www.cdc.gov
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control www.scdhec.gov
South Carolina Emergency Management Division www.scemd.org
FEMA has developed a Rumor Control link on their page for COVID-19 at www.fema.gov/Coronavirus-Rumor-Control