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Charleston tightens COVID protocols, schedules special meeting

Staff //August 11, 2021//

Charleston tightens COVID protocols, schedules special meeting

Staff //August 11, 2021//

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Charleston has moved the city back to Phase III on its matrix of COVID measures, tightening protocols based on a rise in cases from the coronavirus pandemic.

A special council meeting to discuss the change and answer questions about the city’s plans going forward, particularly with schools opening next week, is scheduled for today at 5 p.m. and can be viewed online.

The decision was made after consulting with the city’s COVID-19 Task Force, Charleston said in a news release, and said the move was to keep citizens, city workers and tourists safe.

As part of the reopening of the city, Charleston implemented a matrix that outlines what happens under different protocols. Phase III includes requiring masks once again in all city buildings and requiring posting occupancy limits for public areas.

Phase III also changes how several city offices will operate, including scaled-down judicial sessions and no jury trials. Tourism companies can operate if they have a plan in place with the city. The entire list of protocols and measures can be found here.

Charleston plans to consider a resolution at today’s meeting “strongly encouraging citizens to follow all current CDC guidance regarding the masking of children under the age of 12, along with encouraging everyone who is over the age of 12 to get vaccinated to stop the spread of the virus.

The resolution also asks all adults, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, to wear masks in the presence of children 12 and under while in the city in crowds of 10 or more.

A copy of the proposed resolution can be found online.

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