SDOC Information Update; Anderson County at OPCON2; Area Events Cancelled; Other COVID-19 Closure Updates

Anderson County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Division Operating Condition level has been increased to OPCON 2, an enhanced awareness level, in response to the two patients who have tested positive. OPCON 2 means that a disaster or emergency situation is likely to affect the County. Emergency Operations Plans are implemented and the County’s Emergency Operations Center may be partially activated as necessary.

Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University, as well as all other Palmetto State institutions of higher learning, will be closed through the end of the month. In a statement, Tri-County Tech said that they are determining whether courses may be delivered in an online format after Spring Break ends on March 20.

Oconee County Government said that for those county taxpayers who want to further protect themselves from the flu, COVID-19 or any other illnesses going around, that you can transact business online with the Oconee County Tax Center. Just visit their website, OconeeSC.com and find the appropriate link for the services you require.

The City of Clemson said that while council meetings will continue as scheduled, it is recommended that the public observe those meetings online via the City’s YouTube channel. All events in the City of Clemson have been postponed and all public reservations for the City’s facilities are suspended. Also, City payment collection counters will not be accepting payments in person, but rather will process payments online or through a drop off depository box just outside the Utility Billing entrance.

An event not scheduled to happen until May has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. The “Rally in the Valley” bicycle event that was set for May 2 is now cancelled. Organizers said that they are offering all registered riders the option of a full refund or the opportunity to make a donation to conservation in Oconee County. Foothills YMCA announced that they are suspending many of their programs through the end of the month, as well.

Oconee County Schools are cancelled, but there are plans in place to continue learning and feeding students during the shutdown. The SDOC website will have the most up-to-date information for both staff and families, but here are the details they have released thus far…

Student Meals – any SDOC student age 18 and under may receive two meals a day through the USDA feeding program. We are working out the details on how this will work but we anticipate having meals available by Wednesday, March 18th. We will release details as soon as possible. We encourage people to visit our website for the most up-to-date information

Student Medicines – For any student who has prescription medicines at school, that medicine may be picked up at the school building on Tuesday during normal school hours. If you have questions or are unable to pick up medicine during regular school hours, please contact the building administration for other arrangements.

Student Chromebook Distribution – We are finalizing plans to distribute Chromebooks to any 1st through 12 grade student who does not currently have their device at home. We will establish pick-up times at each school. Details will be released soon.

Instructional Materials – Students will receive information via email from their teachers or the district with instruction materials for the coming weeks. This information will include directions for parents, information about a district helpline as well as technology programs and websites available for student use. Tasks for students in 4K through 8th grade will also be posted on our website.

SDOC Superintendent Dr. Michael Thorsland said, “We are facing unprecedented circumstances due to the COVID-19 virus. The district leadership team, Instructional department and many others have worked tirelessly to develop plans so we can continue to educate and feed our students. With that being said, we ask each of you for patience and understand as we navigate these uncharted waters. Please be assured that we will continue to work to do the best for our students, staff and the community as a whole.”