Testing Brings Results

GETTNG TESTED - John Sanfratello gets tested for COVID-19 from his car on Matthews Drive in Saluda Thurs., May 14. Cars began to line up at 7:30 a.m. for the free testing, sponsored by DHEC and Self Regional, which began at 9 a.m. (Photo by Wendy Cheney)

(Standard-Sentinel photo)

Testing Brings Saluda County

Total To 122 COVID-19 Cases

  Corona virus testing in the county Thursday and Friday last week, help lead to 22 news cases of COVID-19 being added to the county totals.
  The latest report said Saluda County had 122 reported cases. The report says the county had 749 estimated cases, and 171 possible cases. One hundred thirteen of the county’s cases are in the 29138 zip code. The county ranks 3rd in the state in per capita cases,
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 44; Aiken - 154; Greenwood - 69; Lexington - 516; Newberry - 31.
  The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Sunday announced 163 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and five additional deaths.
  This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 8,816 and those who have died to 385.
  Testing returned to Saluda on Mon., May 18, at the Matthews Drive location at Saluda Primary School.

Budgets Get
Second Readings

  In their second virtual meeting the COVID-19 season, Saluda County Council gave second reading to the School District One and county budgets Mon., May 11.
  The Saluda County Schools’ budget is exactly the same as last year.
The local support portion of the school district’s $19,664,537 budget is $7,551,956, minus revenues and credits reflected on tax receipts from Property Tax Relief, Homestead Exemption, Tier 3 Property Tax Relief, and Motor Carrier for a net amount of $4,867,802  from ad valorem taxes.
  Council amended the school budget ordinance to change wording to “receive all funds generated by school millage.”
  The county budget currently stands at $13,663,389. The difference between revenue and expenditures is $237,211.
  Piedmont Technical College is requesting $241,914. They are funded through millage and this request is not included in the above figure.
  Third reading was given to the ordinance amending meeting requirement for the Fire Board.
  Council approved the Emergency Ordinance for COVID-19, extending a state of emergency.
  Generator Services got the contract for inspection and repair of the county’s six generators.
  In new business, Council entered into an agreement for the Town of Ward to assume all responsibilities for upkeep and maintenance of Ward Park.
  Adroit Company was awarded the bid to upgrade the courthouse security alarm system. The $9677.90 bill comes from the public building repair account, as will the $9360 to Edwards Heating and Cooling to replace two HVAC units at the courthouse.
  Generator Services got the bid to replace the automatic transfer switch at the Detention Center. The $7643.92 will be paid from the Jail Renovation Account.
  Georgia Detention Services will replace the camera system at the Detention Center as a cost of $34,455.63. This, too, will come from the Jail Renovation Account.
  Councilman Jones Butler’s appointment of Joan Hill to Library Board was approved. In the absence of Councilman Justin Anderson, Vice Chairman Frank Daniel announced Anderson’s reappointment nomination of Dr. Bill Sawyer of the Saluda Nursing Center Board. This was approved.

Free Testing

Free Testing Offered With
Rapid Covid-19 Rise

  With the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in Saluda County, DHEC and Self Regional Healthcare will provide no-cost, universal testing in Saluda  Thursday, May 14.
  The testing site will be located between Saluda Elementary School and Saluda Primary School. It will be open to everyone 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
  The latest report said Saluda County had 87 reported cases. The report says the county had 534 estimated cases, and 621 possible cases. Seventy-nine of the county’s cases are in the 29138 zip code. The county ranks 3rd in the state in per capita cases,
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 39; Aiken - 118; Greenwood - 62; Lexington - 478; Newberry - 31.
  South Carolina officials announced 113 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, along with one new death.
  The state has now confirmed 7,653 cases of the virus, and 331 deaths have been reported, according to data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
  South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items (such as doorknobs and handrails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.
  Additionally, residents can prepare for a possible illness or quarantine by:
  Periodically checking regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply at home
  Having nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins
  Getting copies and maintaining electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources and store them, for personal reference
  Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
  Individuals with signs of illness are asked to stay at home and not attend public gatherings.

Local Ramen Noodle Company, Palmetto Gourmet
Foods, Ramps Up To Meet Nationwide Demand

  In less than a year, Palmetto Gourmet Foods has turned around a noodle production facility in Saluda, South Carolina, to the point where today, more employees are needed to keep up with growing demand.
  Palmetto is now launching its instant ramen brands – Ramen Express & Chef Woo – and celebrating with a donation to several nearby hospitals.
  “In March and April, we served over 3 million meals and production continues to ramp up requiring us to hire more employees, which is great for the community and local eco-nomy,” said Sal Tortora, Director of Operations. “We also feel it’s important to give back, so we are donating thousands of cups of our new Ramen Express to local COVID centre hospitals as a thank you to our local health care heroes (#HealthCareHeroes #NursesWeek)!”
  “We are also very thankful to our employees who are our frontline heroes,” said Reza Soltanzadeh, CEO. “Palmetto employees are helping to keep America fed and shelves stocked with tasty, affordable noodles made right here in the US. We’re so proud of their efforts, and it will be a proud moment when they hand deliver the Ramen Express donations to the hospitals.”
About Palmetto
Gourmet Foods
Palmetto Gourmet Foods, located in Saluda, South Carolina, is one of the largest noodle production plants in North America. Today, the plant employs almost 100 people and is looking to hire more as they rapidly ramp up to meet nationwide demand. For more information about Palmetto, see our Palmetto Gourmet Foods Facebook page or palmettogf.com.

Skyrocketing Cases

MASKS PRESENTED - S.C. Senate District 10 Republican candidate Billy Garrett (wearing mask) donated masks to the Saluda County emergency workers within District 10, including Emergency Management, Sheriff’s Office, Saluda Police Department, and EMS. Garrett made the presentation at the Courthouse Fri., May 1. He then took masks to several Saluda businesses. (Standard-Sentinel photo)

Saluda County Cases
Skyrocket To 67

  In three week’s time, Saluda County’s COVID-19 cases hav e increased over ten times.
  The latest report said Saluda County had 67 reported cases, compared to six just two weeks ago. The report says the county had 412 estimated cases, and 479 possible cases. fity-nine of the county’s cases are in the 29138 zip code.
  Counties neighboring Saluda had the following case totals: Edgefield - 32; Aiken - 108; Greenwood - 55; Lexington - 420; Newberry - 30.
  South Carolina health officials announced 226 new cases of the coronavirus and 11 more deaths in the state on Saturday, May 2.
  That brings the total number of cases to 6,489 and the number of those who have died to 267, according to data from the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC)
  South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items (such as doorknobs and handrails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.
  Additionally, residents can prepare for a possible illness or quarantine by:
  Periodically checking regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply at home
  Having nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins
  Getting copies and maintaining electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies, and other sources and store them, for personal reference
  Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
  Individuals with signs of illness are asked to stay at home and not attend public gatherings.
FACTS ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is spread mainly from person-to-person by those in close contact, or through coughing and sneezing by someone who’s infected.
  Symptoms of the coronavirus can show up between two and 14 days of exposure, health officials say. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
  For most people, COVID-19 causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. But some severe cases can lead to death.
  Most people can recover from the virus at home using over-the-counter medications to treat their symptoms.

2020 Saluda High
School Graduation Plans

  On Friday, May 29th at 7:00 P.M. Saluda County Schools will host its Commencement Ceremony in Bettis Herlong Stadium at Mathews Field. Please make note that due to the Coronavirus, numerous additional rules will be implemented in an effort to keep our students, families, and staff members healthy. These guidelines will be strictly enforced.
  1. Each graduate will receive two tickets per the directive from state officials for family members and friends to attend the ceremony. Tickets will be required for admittance into Herlong Stadium.
  2. Each attendee will be required to sit in pre-marked areas that will be six feet apart. No more than one person will be allowed to sit in each area as we are required to practice social distancing per Governor Henry Mc-Master’s orders.
  3. Sanitation Stations will be set up throughout Herlong Stadium. We encourage attendees to frequently sanitize their hands and to avoid touching their faces, specifically their eyes, noses and mouths.
  4. Attendees will be dismissed in shifts in an effort to prevent large crowds from forming.
  5. Due to social distancing guidelines, district officials request that families take group photos at home before or after the ceremony. Participants are reminded to maintain social distancing guidelines at all times inside of Herlong Stadium and in the parking lot.
  6. Graduates will be positioned several feet apart on the field in an effort to practice social distancing.
  7. The ceremony will be broadcast live on Saluda Now.
  Saluda County Schools thanks everyone in advance for their willingness to comply with these rules for the well-being of all involved.

Supt. Spearman Convenes
Task Force  for Summer and
Fall School Operations

  Columbia, S.C. –  State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced the convening of a task force charged with studying barriers to school operations and student learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and providing recommendations on how schools and districts can best restart in the fall.
  The task force, comprised of educators and administrators representing all aspects of the K-12 public education system, will also be examining how best to proceed with summer learning activities.
  ”The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges to the operation of South Carolina’s public school system,” said State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman. “We know that virus has the potential to cause disruptions over the summer and into the next school year and want to be prepared to meet those challenges with common sense solutions that allow for continued learning while protecting the well-being of students and educators. The task force brings together some of our state’s brightest and most innovative thinkers and I look forward to seeing the recommendations they make to move our state’s education system forward.”
  The task force, named AccelerateEd, will be chaired by Dr. Kathy Coleman, director of Clemson University’s Sandhill Research and Education Center and chair of the Saluda County School Board.
  AccelerateED is comprised of twelve core members and will also receive input from a larger advisory group as well as the education community and general public. The task force’s first meeting