Submitted by David Gardner
ABBEVILLE, S.C. – LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY.
Abbeville County officials continue to monitor for the presence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Abbeville County, South Carolina, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). In response to the virus, Abbeville County has closed all facilities to the public.
In our efforts to promote social distancing and our continued efforts to keep employees and community members safe, the following operations changes will be implemented.
Abbeville County Landfill / Convenience Centers – Change of Hours Beginning Monday, March 30th all convenience center locations will be open from 1:00pm until 6:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. All locations will be open from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sundays. The landfill, located at 1094 Gassoway Farm Rd. Abbeville, SC 29620 will continue operating at their normal hours.
County Library System – The library system will offer eCards to any resident who does not have a current library card. This will provide access to online resources and download services. eCards can be obtained by phone at (864) 459-4009, Monday through Friday 9:30am until 5:00pm. Once the library system reopens, residents can validate their eCard to receive a library account and physical card.
All County Departments – Due to County office closures, if you are unable to conduct business over the phone or through online services due to not having a checking account, please mail payments to the appropriate office via money order. Money orders can be obtained at locations such as the U.S. Postal Service offices, banks, and convenience stores. As the COVID-19 situation further develops, Abbeville County anticipates additional changes in operations including limiting the number of employees working at facilities and adjusting work days. Changes will be communicated via local media, social media and the County website at www.abbevillecountysc.com
Abbeville County continues to encourage the community to willingly comply with CDC guidelines, as well as executive orders from the South Carolina Governor's Office. Changes as of recent are to include no public gatherings of three people or more. This executive order does not affect people in law-abiding businesses, or family outings.
Abbeville County officials are recommending the community to stay at home if you can do so. This virus is very serious and even though you may not have symptoms of the virus, you very well could be a carrier and spread it to the high-risk population. People who are able to stay at home and treat their symptoms are strongly encouraged to do so, to avoid overwhelming our local healthcare system.
If you are concerned about possibly having the Coronavirus or begin having symptoms related to the illness (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus), SC DHEC recommends you utilize online virtual care centers or contact your primary care physicians office. Virtual COVID-19 consultations are free. Below are links to several telehealth services provided throughout South Carolina. MUSC Health - https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html McLeod Health - https://www.mcleodhealth.org/services/care/telehealth/
Prisma Health - https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/
Roper St. Francis - https://www.rsfh.com/virtualcare/
Telephone Screening Services – Self Regional Healthcare (864) 725-4500.