From: Chris Mathewes <palmetto1st@bellsouth.net> Date: May 17, 2020 at 7:17:55 PM EDT Subject: Fw:  [New post] Limited Re-opening of Seabrook Island Facilities  Chris Mathewes First Palmetto, Inc. Management Services

Limited Re-opening of Seabrook Island Facilities

Posted on May 16, 2020by seabrookislandblog

Moving Toward the New Normal…

When the Stay & Home Order and State of Emergency were declared by the Governor in March, we knew we’d need to develop plans for a gradual reopening of SIPOA facilities and restarting various programs.

We have created a three-phase operational plan to reopen facilities based on SC requirements, and recommendations obtained from our legal counsel, insurance advisors, industry standards, and other SC communities with similar facilities. Each phase of the plan anticipates the Governor relaxing earlier restrictions. The plan can be modified as the Governor issues new guidelines and can be rolled back if virus risk increases.

Our primary goal is to keep residents, guests and staff virus free.  We are trying to accommodate owners, their families and rental guests in a manner that is reasonable and fair for all.   However, the State restrictions impose occupancy limits and health and safety procedures. Please keep in mind that social distancing and personal safety recommendations remain in effect at all times. Also, although facilities may open, the decision to use the facilities is a personal one. Before resuming social activities, everyone is advised to evaluate their health risks, determine the level of exposure they are comfortable with, and take personal precautions accordingly.

The Governor has authorized restricted openings of fitness centers and pools effective May 18, 2020. A schedule for Property Owner use of SIPOA facilities from May 18, 2020 – May 31, 2020 can be found at this link. A schedule for visitor/rental guest use of SIPOA facilities from May 18, 2020 to May 31, 2020 can be found here. There are some SIPOA areas that will remain closed, and others that have strict schedules to allow for controlled access and cleaning at State specified intervals. Please note that access to some facilities is by appointment only. Please refer to the schedule for further information. Amenity card access to SIPOA facilities continues to be deactivated, and there is no before/after hours access to facilities.

The schedule is based on stringent occupancy restrictions and safety requirements in the opening authorization.

The Fitness Center and outdoor pool will be open with limited access starting Monday, May 18, 2020. The Lake House will close at 5:00 p.m. every day and there is no before/after hours access.

Some group exercise classes will also resume Monday, May 18, 2020 and will be held outside. A list of classes can be found here. If you would like to reserve a spot, please click here to go to the Lake House activities registration page. By SC requirements, attendance in these classes is limited to 9 people spaced in 10′ x 10′ “boxes.”

The May video exercise classes will also continue for all registered participants.

We are required to operate and abide by certain conditions. Some of the conditions are:

–          Occupancy in all buildings, including fitness and pool areas, is limited to 5 people/1,000 square feet.

–          6′ distancing must be maintained both inside and outside every facility.

–          No towel services are permitted.

–          Masks for staff and patrons are required in all fitness facilities at all times.

–          Temperature readings for staff and patrons are required before Lake House entry. Temps must be under 100.4 degrees.

–          The fitness area must have separate one-way entry and exit doors.

–          Fitness facilities must be completely cleaned every 2 hours. Equipment is to be cleaned after each use. Cardio equipment users cannot use adjacent machines.

–          Outdoor fitness classes must have a 10’x 10′ area for each participant, and participants must stay within their “box”.

–          No equipment can be shared.

–          No pool accessories are permitted – noodles, floats, etc.

SIPOA will have staff stationed at each entry point. We ask for your compliance, patience, and understanding toward other property owners and guests, to allow everyone an opportunity to enjoy our facilities in this challenging time. Please extend the same courtesy toward staff members as we move forward – they may deliver info people don’t want to hear, but are in place to allow us to comply with all requirements for opening facilities. If we don’t comply, we could be shut down…

This isn’t business as usual yet, but with careful attention to health practices and the courtesy and hospitality our community is known for, we’ll get through this together.

Heather Paton, MCM, CMCA, LSM, PCAM
Executive Director