Our community continues to come together during the COVID-19 pandemic. As we enter the second month of these never-before-seen times, there are a number of questions we’re still getting about actions you can expect from us in response to circumstances brought on by COVID-19. Here are the most commonly asked questions:
Do I need documentation from my employer while traveling to work during Gov. McMaster’s “Home or Work” order?
Employers can provide documentation if they choose; however, we have no plans to stop anyone to check for such records.
Gov. McMaster’s order went into effect April 7 at 5 p.m. The governor’s office said the order permits travel including commuting for work, visiting family, and obtaining essential goods or services. The order does not impact any individual’s ability to exercise outdoors or go for a walk as a family, according to the governor.
What are you doing to protect my loved one from COVID-19 inside the Lexington County Detention Center?
In the early days of public health restrictions and preventive actions, we took immediate steps to protect those working and being held in the detention center. LCDC nurses are regularly checking inmate temperature levels. Officers and health care providers are wearing personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of introducing the coronavirus into the facility. We take these actions seriously because they protect the jail’s officers, health care workers and inmates. As I write this, the jail remains free of COVID-19 because of infection control measures we put in place weeks ago.
Do I really need to stay home all the time?
We encourage everyone to stay home as much as possible. We know you might have to go to work. And we all need food, medicine and other necessities; however, our state’s public health experts say the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to stay home and minimize contact with people outside our households.
Staying home is the best way to stay healthy. You aren’t just doing this for yourself and your loved ones. You’re doing this for the front-line workers like doctors, nurses, police officers and first responders. Do your part to help keep them and their families safe too.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control estimates for every lab-confirmed case of COVID-19, there are as many as nine cases in our community that have not been diagnosed. While at home, regularly clean frequently touched surfaces like counters, tables, chairs, doorknobs, etc. Practice frequent hand washing, good personal hygiene and monitor yourself and your family for COVID-19 symptoms. Monitor local media and official, verified sources for information and updates.