UPDATES

 

May 14, 2021

May 13, 2021

• If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did before the pandemic.
• Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
• If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, find a vaccine.

 

March 30, 2021 

 

Everyone aged 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 31, 2021. For more information, visit: https://scdhec.gov/news-releases/all-south-carolinians-aged-16-older-be-eligible-covid-19-vaccine-beginning-march-31?fbclid=IwAR0juBIf3R-u-Q_d7Ce76H7DC782PCYwgU3zaVL2KR041iw5Vh_cMNyuEaY  

 

March 2, 2021

Update: this testing site is no longer active. 

The Riverview Park Activities Center (100 Riverview Park Dr.) is now a site for COVID-19 testing. Testing is available in the parking lot; look for the white pop-up tent. It's open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is a drive thru site and no appointment necessary. Do not eat or drink within 30 minutes of getting tested as they administer a saliva based test.

For more information, visit https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-testing-locations 

 

February 3, 2021

January 13, 2021 

Starting today, any South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can schedule an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. A map with locations accepting vaccine appointments is available here: www.scdhec.gov/vaxlocator

 

January 11, 2021

 

 

January 8, 2021

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) has prepared a vaccination distribution plan for state residents. Vaccine distribution is occurring in a phased approach. The following outline provides an overview of the anticipated categories and time for each phase. This is subject to change at any time for many reasons, such as a change in federal guidance: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine 

 

December 28, 2020

If you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, including safety, efficacy or data, the CDC has created a one-stop location for factual, verified information. For more information, click here.

 

December 21, 2020

Be positive you're negative for COVID-19 before attending or hosting a holiday gathering. Visit scdhec.gov/FindATest or call 1-855-4SC-DHEC to find COVID-19 testing near you.

 

October 2020

July 7, 2020

At their July 6 meeting, Mayor and City Council passed a resolution recommending and encouraging residents to wear face coverings in public when social distancing cannot be maintained. The resolution specifically recommends face coverings be worn in public buildings, retail stores and restaurants. Read the full text of Resolution 2020-28 here.

Information about the proper way to wear, remove and clean a facemask can be found on the CDC website and the South Carolina DHEC website.

 

May 28, 2020

Governor McMaster's COVID-19 recovery advisory committee, Accelerate SC has launched a website as a portal for all South Carolina residents to gather information and resources related to re-opening the state's economy while staying safe. This recently launched one-stop-shop website is being continually enhanced to help citizens connect to important information during these changing times. Visit the site at www.accelerate.sc.gov. The functionality of the website now offers social media engagement, an online inquiry form and access to the Accelerate SC Call Center. Learn more about the purpose of Accelerate SC here.

 

May 18, 2020

Mayor Bob Pettit issued a proclamation to end the state of emergency in the City of North Augusta due to COVID-19. Read the proclamation here.

 

April 30, 2020

The City of North Augusta Municipal Building will re-open for in-person services on Monday, May 4. Citizens are strongly encouraged to continue accessing City services electronically to the extent possible due to the continued public health concern of COVID-19. Citizens can still transact business through www.northaugusta.net, telephone calls, emails, U.S. Postal Service and the use of the utility payment drop box in the parking lot.

If citizens must enter the building, they are welcomed and encouraged to wear personal protective equipment including face masks and/or gloves. If anyone is exhibiting flu or severe cold-like symptoms, please do not conduct your business in person at the municipal building.

Visitors should maintain appropriate social distance from others while in the building and stay only as long as needed to complete their business. The City has taken extra steps to clean and sanitize frequently touched services such as door handles and will continue this practice until the pandemic subsides to keep citizens and employees safe. 

 

April 28, 2020

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued executive order 2020-29 on April 27 which extends the South Carolina state of emergency for another 15 days. With this executive order, his previous directives remain in place. This includes the "Home or Work" order. View all executive orders here.

 

April 22, 2020

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for you, your family, and members of our community as it has dramatically changed our way of life.  It is common to feel stressed, confused, scared, angry or anxious during this time.  If you or a loved one is struggling with feelings of isolation, anxiety or emotional distress, Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center can assist.  You can receive information about services or answers to general questions by calling and speaking with a staff member at 1-803-641-7700.  They can discuss current needs and options for treatment, either by phone or secure video, so that individuals in need can remain safe at home.  Anyone who is experiencing a psychiatric crisis may contact their Crisis Team at 1-833-364-2274.  The Crisis  line is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year.  It's okay to reach out.  Taking care of your mental health during COVID-19 is important!

 

April 7, 2020

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued has issued a "Home or Work Order" effective at 5:00 p.m. today. Residents and visitors of the State of South Carolina shall limit their movements outside of their home except for purposes of engaging in Essential Business, Essential Activities, or Critical Infrastructure Operations. Essential Activities are defined (in summary) as:
 
1. Caring for or visiting a family member in another Residence or transporting or travelling with a family member...with appropriate consideration of, and adherence to, “social distancing.” 

2. Obtaining necessary supplies and services for family or household members, such as food and supplies for household consumption and use, medical supplies or medication, supplies and equipment needed to work from home, and products needed to maintain safety, sanitation, and essential maintenance of the home or residence. 

3. Engaging in activities essential for the health and safety of family or household members, such as seeking medical, behavioral health, or emergency services.

4. Caring for pets, provided that such activity is conducted with appropriate consideration of, and adherence to, "social distancing.”

5. Engaging in outdoor exercise or recreational activities, provided that a minimum distance of six (6) feet is maintained during such activities between all persons who are not occupants of the same Residence.

6. Attending religious services conducted in churches, synagogues, or other houses of worship.

7. Travelling as required by law, to include attending any court proceedings and transporting children as required by court order or custody agreement. 

The "Home or Work Order" is detailed in executive order 2020-21. Read the full order here.

 

April 3, 2020

Today Mayor Bob Pettit issued a Proclamation of Civil Emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This proclamation is issued in accordance with the City Code of Ordinances. To read the full proclamation, click here. Mayor Pettit has also prepared a video announcing the proclamation, please click below to watch.

 

Mayor Pettit also announced today that City Council will hold a regular council meeting on Monday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. There will not be a Council Study Session. Council will meet in person in Council Chambers, per the requirements of the City Code of Ordinances. There is only one item of new business on the agenda, which is an emergency ordinance to allow Council to convene in future meetings via electronic transmission for the duration of the COVID-19 Civil Emergency. During the meeting, Council members will maintain 6 foot social distance and only a select few staff members will be in attendance - again, to promote social distancing. The meeting is open to the public, but residents are encouraged to view the meeting through a live stream on the City's Facebook page, City of North Augusta - Public Information. To view the April 6, 2020 City Council Meeting Agenda, click here. 

Mayor Pettit addresses the upcoming City Council meeting and delivers a personal message to North Augusta residents in the video below:

 

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March 31, 2020

The fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in how the City of North Augusta operates and how private businesses are allowed to operate in the City. Announcements made by the governor are monitored by City staff on a daily basis. Furthermore, City leaders regularly review and evaluate City operations to ensure the health and welfare of city residents and employees.  

Governor McMaster’s Executive Orders:

Today, Governor Henry McMaster announced the required closure of all non-essential businesses in South Carolina due to COVID-19. Starting Wednesday, April 1, the following businesses are required to be closed:

• Entertainment – bowling alleys, night clubs, arcades, concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, tourist attractions including museums, racetracks , indoor children play areas (excluding daycares), adult entertainment venues, bingo halls, venues operated by social clubs
• Athletic facilities and activities – fitness centers and gyms, spas and public pools, spectator sports, events that require shared sporting equipment, public playground equipment
• Close contact service providers – barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail salons, spas, body art facilities, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, massage therapy

All other business, unless closed by other orders, may remain open. The above-referenced businesses shall stay closed for a period of 15 days unless extended. To read the full executive order, click here. 

Over the weekend, Governor McMaster issued two new Executive Orders that impact the City of North Augusta:

• Executive Order 2020-16: Required the City to close its public boat dock at Boeckh Park and boat ramp at the end of Hammonds Ferry Drive.
• Executive Order 2020-15: Extended the prohibition of on-site drinking and eating at restaurants and bars through the duration of the state of emergency.

City Operations:

All City buildings continue to be closed to the public. However, basic City functions continue to be delivered as usual or through remote delivery by staff. Citizens can conduct business with the city via phone, email, mail, online, or the utility payment drop box to minimize person-to-person contact. Utilities will not be shut-off during this time.

All non-essential activities (special events, athletic leagues, and tournaments) on public facilities are cancelled, and Riverview Park Activity Center, park playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, volleyball courts, soccer fields, baseball fields and other fitness courts are closed to the public. The use of walking trails and passive open space remain available for use; however, trail users are encouraged not to group with other users, and maintain a safe 6-foot distance to abide by social distancing guidelines.

These City operations will remain in effect until at least April 15, 2020 unless amended, extended, or rescinded. 

 

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March 27, 2020

The City of North Augusta will keep City facilities closed to public access through at least April 15. However, most services continue to be available to residents. City employees continue to provide the essential services that residents need during this time - Police, Fire, Sanitation, Water, Wastewater, Street and Drain maintenance, and much more. Other employees are working staggered in-office schedules or remotely to process planning documents, financial transactions, permit applications and much more. If you need to do business with the City, please call or email the appropriate person or department to initiate contact.

The only services not currently available to residents are recreation services through the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. However, PRT staff have been working to improve recreation facilities through cleaning and maintenance, and are planning and preparing for the time they are able to open and offer programming again.

City staff, including Public Safety, continue to enforce the executive orders issued by Governor McMaster. City leaders regularly monitor the Governor's and DHEC's frequent press conferences for updates and make adjustments as necessary. A full listing of the executive orders issued can be found here. As a reminder, in executive order 2020-10, Governor McMaster ordered a temporary prohibition of on-site consumption of food and beverage at restaurants and bars. This includes the patios of such restaurants and bars. Restaurant patrons should order food and beverage to go - with pick up at the door or via drive thru. 

All North Augusta residents are encouraged to follow the guidance from the CDC and DHEC:

• Practice social distancing
• Stay at home, especially if you are ill
• Regularly wash your hands and/or use hand sanitizer if available

 

 

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March 20, 2020

City Closures Due to COVID-19 Prevention   (PDF of news release)

Starting Monday, March 23, the City of North Augusta will implement City facility closures. These closures are in addition to the current restricted services already in place. Though City facilities will be closed to citizens, essential City services will still be delivered. Essential employees will report as directed to work in person and remotely. City facility closures and other contact restrictions are to achieve social distancing and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both City employees and North Augusta citizens. City leaders will regularly evaluate service delivery and monitor COVID-19 spread for future service modifications. 

The City will implement and/or continue the following measures starting March 23 (new closures in bold):

• Access to City facilities will be restricted with notices posted at each City facility:
  o Municipal Building will be closed to citizens
  o Riverview Park Activity Center and Community Center will remain closed
  o City parks with playground equipment will be closed; City parks without such equipment, including the Greeneway, will remain open for use

• City employees should be contacted via email or phone. Handling of business will be via phone, email, conference call or video conference. 

• All City utility payments, permit applications, tax payments and business license payments will be accepted at the drop box located in the City Municipal Building parking lot. No payments or applications will be accepted in person. Citizens may also make timely payments on the City website, bill pay through their financial institution, or USPS mail. 

• City-hosted athletic programs will be suspended and City athletic facilities will not be available for organized practice.

• Events and meetings scheduled at City facilities through March 31 have been cancelled or rescheduled.

• New utility service establishment will be conducted by appointment only, call 803.441.4219.


Stay in touch with City employees and access important information through the following websites: 

• Contact information for all City departments, www.northaugusta.net 

• COVID-19 information and its impact on the City, www.northaugusta.net/covid-19  

• City social media accounts
   o City of North Augusta – Public Information: https://www.facebook.com/CityofNorthAugusta 
   o North Augusta Public Safety: https://www.facebook.com/NAPublicSafety
   o North Augusta Parks, Recreation & Tourism: https://www.facebook.com/northaugusta.recreation

 

Essential services will be provided through City departments as follows:

City Administration, City Clerk, and Finance will:
• Provide services over the phone or teleconference, via email, and through City website

Human Resources will:
• Provide services over the phone or teleconference, via email, and through City website
• Accept applications for employment online: www.northaugusta.net/apply

Municipal Court will:
• Provide services over the phone, via email, and through City website
• Cancel all session through March 31
• Encourage payment of fines by mail or through drop box at Public Safety headquarters

Parks, Recreation and Tourism will:
• Provide services over the phone, via email, and through City website
• Continue park maintenance on a modified schedule

Planning & Development will:
• Provide services over the phone or teleconference, via email, and through City website
• Temporarily accept electronic plans for all reviews. Original copies of some documents will be required prior to final approvals. Please visit our “Forms” page for submittal forms. https://www.northaugusta.net/online-services/documents-publications/-folder-29
• Schedule preliminary application conference meetings via video chat
• Continue Code Enforcement operations, but person-to-person contact will be avoided

Public Safety will:
• Provide services over the phone, via email, and information through City website
• Take non-emergency reports over the phone to minimize contact
• Maintain a six-foot safe space during interviews
• Wear additional personal protective gear during response calls as necessary
• Close substation firehouses to non-employees
• Close Criminal Investigation Division to pedestrian traffic; contacts to be made by appointment only

Public Services will:
• Provide services over the phone, via email, and through City website
• Continue trash and recycling pick-up as normal
• Provide City water as normal and respond to water and wastewater emergencies 
• Perform City property maintenance and landscaping with modified schedules

Public Works will:
• Provide services over the phone or teleconference, via email, and through City website
• Continue inspections, but person-to-person contact will be avoided and/or limited
• Implement maintenance projects with modified schedules

“We encourage all members of our community to follow the personal hygiene suggestions of the CDC,” said Mayor Robert Pettit.

Suggested precautions include: 
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; do not reuse tissues.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
• Get detailed information from a trusted source: www.cdc.gov or www.scdhec.gov/covid19   

 

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  March 18, 2020

Message from Mayor Pettit re: Coronavirus

Friends,

Guidance about the COVID-19 public health situation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the SC Governor's Office, and SC Department of Health and Environmental Control evolves quickly and often, dramatically. The City leadership’s focus has been on protecting you and City employees. Measures to maintain social distancing were implemented this week. Experience has thus far been very good.

Other cities in SC and neighboring Georgia have declared states of emergency. City leaders and I have discussed issuing such a declaration, but I do not believe there is a need for such action at this time. I believe the best approach is for each one of us to recognize the threat is real and to do what the experts are telling us.

City leaders and I continue to review new data and information as it becomes available. Personal experience confirms added stress is effecting everyone. I encourage you to contact your pastor for help dealing with the stress, fatigue and very real uncertainty before it become overwhelming. Mine is praying for me. I am praying for you.

Bob Pettit

 

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March 16, 2020

Modified Service Delivery to Minimize Spread of COVID-19   (PDF of news release)

To protect citizens and employees, and to minimize the spread COVID-19, effective today, Monday, March 16^th at 5:00 p.m., the City of North Augusta will modify service delivery. The modified services are expected to run at least through Tuesday, March 31, when we will re-evaluate. The City’s website and social media accounts will be updated regularly. A dedicated webpage for COVID-19 related information has been established at: www.northaugusta.net/covid-19.

The City is modifying service delivery as a result of cumulative recommendations of Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Taking into consideration recommendations regarding social distancing and non-essential event cancellations, the City will implement the following measures through at least March 31:

• Access to City facilities will be restricted with notices posted at each City facility.
• City employees should be contacted via email or phone. Priority for handling business will be via phone, email, conference call or video conference. City employees shall determine if any in-person discussion, meeting or material hand-off is necessary and will schedule as appropriate following social distancing guidelines.
• The Municipal Building will be open, but employees will require appointments for in-person meetings.
• The Riverview Park Activity Center and Community Center will be closed.
• City-hosted athletic programs will be suspended and City athletic facilities will not be available for organized practice.
• All parks will remain open for non-organized leisure activities; playgrounds will be sanitized.
• All scheduled tournaments and events at City facilities have been cancelled or postponed.
• All City utility payments, permit applications, tax payments and business license payments will be accepted at the drop box located in the City Municipal Building parking lot. No payments or applications will be accepted in person. Citizens may also make timely payments on the City website, bill pay through their financial institution, or USPS mail.
• New utility service establishment will be available by appointment only. Please call 803.441.4219 to setup your appointment.
• Employment applications can be submitted online at www.northaugusta.net/apply
• The Planning Commission meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 19 will be cancelled.

“We understand the impact and potential hardships these actions will have on our community. The decisions were not made lightly and were made to ensure the safety of our citizens and reduce potential exposure,” said Mayor Robert Pettit. “We appreciate the understanding of our citizens during this pandemic emergency.”

Essential Services and Personnel to Continue Operations with Caution:

North Augusta Public Safety will:

• Maintain a six-foot safe space during interviews
• Take non-emergency reports over the phone to minimize contact
• Postpone training exercises and educational event 

Municipal Court will:

• Cancel all session through March 31
• Encourage payment of fines by mail or through drop box at Public Safety headquarters
• Close substation firehouses to non-employees
• Close Criminal Investigation Division to pedestrian traffic; contacts to be made by appointment only

Public Services will:

• Continue trash and recycling pick-up as normal
• Perform maintenance and landscaping
• Limit employee-to-public contact

Public Works will:

• Continue stormwater and construction inspections as normal, but person-to-person contact will be limited
• Building inspections will be conducted as normal, but person-to-person contact will be limited
• Road, sidewalk and storm drain maintenance will continue as normal

Planning & Development will:

• Respond to requests in the order they are received and as quickly as possible
• Temporarily accept electronic plans for all reviews. Original copies of some documents will be required prior to final approvals. Please visit our “Forms” page for submittal forms. https://www.northaugusta.net/online-services/documents-publications/-folder-29
• Schedule preliminary application conference meetings via video chat. If you have already scheduled a meeting, we will be in contact with you to provide teleconferencing options
• Continue Code Enforcement operations as normal, but person-to-person contact will be limited

 

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March 13, 2020

Message from Mayor Pettit re: Coronavirus

Dear North Augusta Residents:

City of North Augusta leaders and I have been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving coronavirus (COVID-19) information, and the actions of multiple state, federal and local agencies and groups. As of Friday, March 13, there have been no reported COVID-19 cases in Aiken County. City departments are operating under normal conditions with no plans for closure of facilities or interruption of essential government services. However, in an abundance of caution, the Parks and Recreation Department has cancelled all travel sporting events during the month of March, including visiting tournaments that utilize the Activity Center. At the current time, recreational sports hosted by the City continue on established schedules.

Council will be updated during the City Council Study Session on Monday, March 16 on continuity of service plans and steps already being taken to minimize risk for residents and employees. The briefing to Council will also include resources available for staff who may become ill, payroll issues, and the status of current operations in all departments. The City will broadcast the study session through its Facebook page for viewing by all residents. The City has established a dedicated webpage for updates related to coronavirus with links to Federal and State web pages. Residents are encouraged to bookmark this page for updates from the City: www.northaugusta.net/covid-19.

While it is my hope and prayer that the coronavirus is controlled soon without local impact, in the interim, I encourage all citizens to follow the prescribed precautions of the CDC and SCDHEC.

Bob Pettit
Mayor

 

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March 10, 2020 

The City of North Augusta is using multiple resources to closely monitor the rapidly evolving public health event involving the Coronavirus (COVID-19).  Although the city does not have direct responsibility for vaccinations, education, or public health functions we are proactively following recommended elevated hygienic practices & procedures to ensure that regular services to our citizens will continue.  Citizens are encouraged to use the links provided to stay informed.