Charleston tightens COVID-19 protocols for city offices, facilities

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg says city offices and facilities will temporarily tighten restrictions designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

City offices and facilities will move from Phase 3, under which they have operated since Oct. 5, back to Phase 2.

Under Phase 2, city employees should not attend any indoor meetings where occupancy limits are not posted or cannot be adhered to. Masks should be worn when current social distancing guidance cannot be followed, when moving into or leaving meeting spaces and in any common areas. Outdoor meetings should also be limited in size to current gathering size limitations.

Phase 2 also dictates that public access to city offices be by appointment only. Visitors and staff must wear masks in any common areas and while interacting with City staff. Access doors will remain locked and opened only by a security card, and all occupancy limits at current CDC guidelines.

“We will not be issuing permits for gatherings and city facilities for the next little while,” he said.

He said the most recent numbers he has seen from state health officials are “going in the wrong direction.”

Tecklenburg said despite hope in the form of a vaccine that is being distributed, this is “not a time” to let your guard down.

“It’s time to double down on our safety precautions for COVID-19 until this vaccine is widely distributed,” he said.

The change will not affect businesses in the city, he said, but he challenged business leaders to ensure they are doing all they can to make sure their employees and customers are following established guidelines.

The mayor will be joined by officials from MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis Healthcare.

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