KERSHAW COUNTY, S.C. — Kershaw County leaders announced what they're doing to combat the coronavirus in the county, including how basic services will be handled and how the school system is handling e-learning.
Kershaw County is an area where state officials say there is "community spread" of coronavirus, meaning that people were getting it from contact with infected people, and where some of the first cases were reported.
Here's a look at some of the key topics discussed:
KERSHAW COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Dr. Shane Robbins with Kershaw County Schools gave the following update:
Elearning:
The district has pre-positioned activity buses that are capable of giving wi-fi access about where wi-fi is lacking. Businesses are also offering help to get that internet access.
Elearning website: https://www.kcsdschools.net/elearning
There is a tech hotline at (803) 425-8916 or esupport@kcsdschools.net. The hotline is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Spring sports are cancelled, and the county is asking for spring testing to be delayed.
KERSHAW COUNTY GOVERNMENT:
County Administrator Vic Carpenter said the county continues to stress social distancing (limiting encounters with people, maintaining a distance of several feet in face-to-face encounters) with people.
County hotline:
1-803-425-7242 Monday-Sunday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: www.kershaw.sc.gov/coronavirus
County Offices:
The courthouse is open, but normal business is curtailed a little. The library has reduced hours. Trials have been delayed, and county meetings have been moved to phone and video conferencing. All Travel has been cancelled except for mandatory training.
Bill pay:
Carpenter encouraged everyone to take advantage of online services including paying bills and child support services.
Drop boxes can be used to make payments. Those payments must be made by check.
Economic impact:
A task force will study the impact on local community and the economy. Carpenter is asking people to support local businesses with their patronage.
CAMDEN CITY GOVERNMENT:
Mel Pearson, the Camden City Manager, gave an update on their response:
City Hall & Bill Pay
All City facilities, excluding City Hall and the Camden Police Department headquarters, will be closed to the public until further notice.
Public access to City Hall will be restricted to the south entrance, nearest the Finance Department. All other entrances to City Hall will be locked. All City business with the clerk's office, court, and building department can be handled at the Finance Department. Residents are encouraged to call City Hall at 803-432-2421 prior to visiting, to see if staff can assist you over the phone.
Police & Fire Services:
Public access to the Police Department will be restricted to the front lobby. Fingerprinting services have been suspended until further notice.
The Camden Fire Department will suspend nonessential services and programs until further notice. Residents with specific needs or concerns may call the Fire Department at 803-425-6040.
Utility and sanitation:
The City of Camden utility and sanitation operations will be maintained and serviced as normal, however contact with the public will be restricted. The City will suspend the normal disconnect for non-pay procedures until further notice. Residents are encouraged to use the City’s online bill pay for existing utility bills, as well as the drive-thru window and drop boxes in the parking entrance and just outside the Finance Department entrance at City Hall, where payments will be accepted 24 hours a day. The Finance Department will also accept payments by check over the phone until further notice.
Convenience fees for online payments have been waived.
Municipal courts:
Municipal court has been suspended for the week of March 16th. Preliminary court hearings for March 25th have also been cancelled. Conditions are being monitored to determine the schedule for future cases.
Limited public gatherings:
Following guidance by the CDC and the local hospital administration, the City of Camden strongly recommends canceling or postponing public gatherings and church services until further notice. City parks and greenspaces will remain open for daily pedestrian use, however large gatherings and public events are strictly prohibited until further notice.