SC state parks to reopen with restrictions
SC State Parks Set to Reopen Friday, May 1
PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION BELOW
Following public health protocols, South Carolina State Parks plan to reopen on Friday, May 1, on a limited basis. Group facilities like picnic shelters and community buildings, will remain closed for the time being, and visitor gathering places like interpretive centers and park offices also will remain closed initially or will operate on a limited scale.
-SCPRT will continuously monitor visitor usage and adjust visitor services as needed to ensure compliance with the guidance provided by SCDHEC and the CDC.
-Each state park plans to lower its carrying capacity, allowing a limited number of visitors at once. Levels vary by park. When a park reaches its threshold, the gates will be closed until the number of visitors decreases.
-State parks also plan to honor any existing camping and cabin reservations that were scheduled to check in on Friday, May 1, forward. Some state parks will begin taking new reservations for stays that begin May 11 forward, and all park accommodations will come back on line as staffing levels return to normal.
-State park Visitor Centers are scheduled to reopen on Monday, May 11, and feature proper signage, physical indicators and barriers in place to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
-All state park retail stores and spaces should open by Friday, May 15. SCPRT will use SCDHEC and CDC guidance to determine the maximum occupancy in these common area facilities in order to maintain social distancing rules and limit contact between staff and visitors.
-Due to the difficulty of effectively cleaning equipment, all playgrounds will be closed until June 1. All playground areas will be cordoned off and signed appropriately.
ACPSD Names Director of New Tier 3 Therapeutic Program
DISTRICT NAMES EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR BETH TAYLOR AS NEW DIRECTOR OF TIER 3 ELEMENTARY THERAPEUTIC PROGRAM
Looking for an ideal fit in the important new position of Tier 3 Elementary Therapeutic Program Director, Aiken County Public Schools turned to one of its own. The District is pleased to announce experienced educator and special programs administrator Elizabeth “Beth” Taylor as the new program’s first director.
“I have worked with Beth for many years. In that time, she has always impressed me with her ability to comprehend the complex challenges we face in teaching and supporting students with disabilities,” commented Aiken County Superintendent King Laurence. “We have placed another complex challenge in front of her and I cannot think of anyone better suited to confront it and lead our elementary therapeutic program to success.”
New Holland Fire Dept. Donates to Aiken Regional
The New Holland VFD donated life saving protective masks to Aiken Regional Medical Center this morning. Chief Dennis Jackson handed over 12 boxes of masks the department had in storage. They will help protect ARMC’s staff. Chief Jackson has seen my Friday post asking for donations and I linked him up with the hospital’s CEO who was thrilled with the donation.
SCDHEC.gov/COVID19 for Updates
Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers
Schools Closed through End of March
DHEC is closely monitoring a rapidly emerging national outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is continuing to investigate and respond to cases of the virus in South Carolina.
As part of our ongoing outreach efforts, we want to make sure that we continue to update you on the latest DHEC and CDC guidance.
In addition to checking DHEC’s website, please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website periodically for updated interim guidance from the CDC.