On March 19 I issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency which threatens the health of our citizens in the Chapin Community, following a similar statewide declaration by Governor McMaster on March 13.
 
Since then the Governor has issued approximately 20 additional Executive Orders relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
 
The issue has not subsided as yet, and the federal and state officials have stated that before the economy can safely reopen for business, a steady decline in positive diagnoses of the virus and related fatalities should be evident; as of today (April 30) there are 232 reported fatalities and 5881 positive cases in SC. However it has been speculated that nearly 85% of all related cases are unreported. Even so, there is considerable pressure by a portion of the public to rescind the restrictions sooner, apparently placing more emphasis on economics than public health.
 
I believe that our Governor has taken a very thoughtful and reasoned approach to the pandemic, and has resisted release of most restrictions to date. However, some releases may be forthcoming as early as next week. We certainly are anxious for our local restaurants to reopen for meals, other than drive-through service. But it seems the facilities will need several days to roundup and retrain employees for the increased protection of staff and patrons, sanitize menus and tables, and rearrange seating areas for social distancing.
 
Speaking of social distancing, I recommend that other retail facilities including grocery stores, hardware stores etc., keep in mind the Executive Orders to retain occupancy limits to 5 customers per 1000 sq. ft.  In the real world this means that if the average aisles are 10' wide and 100 feet long that there be no more than 5 customers per aisle.