Update from Town Manager 4/13/2020

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An Update from Town Manager Steve Riley 4/13/2020

View a Video Update from Town Manger Steve Riley at https://youtu.be/qhLNCGELDzs
Good afternoon Hilton Head Islanders,
I’d first like to extend my thoughts and prayers to our neighbors in Hampton County and other communities across the country impacted by storms and tornadoes that swept through our area on Sunday evening. This is very disheartening news, especially as we continue to deal with the coronavirus crisis.
This is indeed a very stressful time.
We can all use some good news and ideas on how to be safe and happy at home. Most of us are trying to make the best of the situation we’re in due to the coronavirus. Over the last few weeks, we at Town Hall have been thinking of ideas to inspire you to be happy at home, be safe and lessen the stress during this harrowing time.
If you follow us on social media, some of our posts will feature a Happy at Home icon so you’ll be aware of activities we’ve created to generate smiles, positive energy and community spirit. Some of the activities we’ve already launched include our Chalk the Walk event, our Thank a First Responder Card Campaign, our Fire Rescue Stay at Home Song featuring children’s art work (quite fun and creative), and Fire Rescue’s Drive-By Birthday Celebrations.
Here are some other Happy at Home activities we’re launching to help lift our community’s spirit:
Community Videos
Members of our communities have submitted encouraging video messages that we are putting together. We will share these inspirational videos with you this week. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to produce a video.
Heroes Among Us
Our community is filled with wonderful people doing many wonderful things to help others and brighten their day. They are our Community Heroes who go above and beyond every day to do good deeds, demonstrate generosity and good will, and simply make our lives better. Whoever they are and whatever their good deeds, we want to know. Please go to culturehhi.org and submit your nomination for community heroes. We’ll share their wonderful stories with you.
Birthday Celebrations
Our Fire Rescue Division is still taking reservations for a fire truck and ambulance team to drive by and sing happy birthday to your child. Call our Fire & Life Safety Educator at 843-247-4577 two days in advance to schedule.
Culturehhi
Follow culturehhi on Facebook or visit culturehhi.org for the latest updates on virtual concerts and other fun activities you can view or do from the comfort of your own home.
Here are the latest updates on COVID-19 response in our community:
Governor Extends State Emergency Order
Governor Henry McMaster has extended the state of emergency for South Carolina through April 27. All of the Governor’s previous orders, from his stay-at-home and work orders to orders on self-quarantines, carry forward though April 27.
Coronavirus Cases
As of today, 194 positive cases of the coronavirus have been reported for Beaufort County, according to the latest data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.  The number of cases has climbed to 3,319 across the state. You can check out the number of cases in Hilton Head Island zip codes by visiting the coronavirus hub page on our website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov.
Charity Update
Last week, Help 4 Hope, a local initiative, handed out 350 cards – enough for 1,400 meals at participating restaurants – to families and individuals who have lost jobs or find themselves in need. This initiative is receiving donations from across the country. The Community Foundation of the Lowcountry granted $158,050 to local agencies so they can continue helping people with food, rent, utilities and other services. These gifts reflect the generous spirit of Hilton Head Island. If you would like to give to these initiatives, visit help4hopenow.org or the Community Foundation.
National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week
This week, April 12th -18th is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. We thank this group of first responders who answer calls and support the high quality delivery of emergency services in our community. It takes a special strength to be the voice of calm when lives are on the line, to take control in an emergency using just a telephone, to get the right kind of help to the right location, and to give instructions that make a difference, no matter what the situation. Every minute, every day, 9-1-1 professionals promise callers that they’ll stay with them until help arrives. They are our hidden heroes.
Town Hall
Our Town Hall doors remain closed to the public at this time, but we are still open for business. Our staff is processing permits and business licenses and responding to your needs. If you receive an automatic email response from us, please know that we have received your request and our staff will respond to you.
Five Other Quick Ways to Help Our Community
  1. Give to your favorite charity. Visit United Way of the Lowcountry for a list of local organizations. The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce is also compiling a list of charities that you can support.
  2. Order take out from your favorite restaurant.
  3. Stay home unless you need to go to work or need to go outside to exercise around your home.
  4. If you are out, wear a mask when you go shopping or visit an essential business.
  5. Complete the Census online, by phone or by mail. It’s something everyone can do while practicing social distancing at home to make a difference today and for the next 10 years. This count helps determine how much of the $675 billion in federal funding the Town, county, and state receive for schools, roads, infrastructure, public services, disaster recovery, vital health services, and emergency readiness for pandemics like COVID-19. Help Hilton Head Island get its fair share of the funding. Complete your census at my2020census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020 (English) or 1-844-468-2020 (Spanish).
Stay informed:
For more information visit