Bamberg County has implemented its Pandemic Response Plan and offices remain open to employees and the public, with safety precautions executed for the wellbeing of both the public and staff. Bamberg County Administration and Emergency Services encourages all in-person interaction to take place using appropriate health and safety measures, and only when essential. It is recommended that the public make phone calls, send emails, use drive-through service windows, or online services when possible. Staff who conduct hand-to-hand transactions of paper, cash, or receipts are provided gloves and other sanitizing supplies. Staff with small office space will no longer conduct meetings within the confines of their office. Individuals seeking to meet with these employees should make appointments.
Additional announcements and changes to Bamberg County operations include the following:
Effective March 16, 2020, Bamberg County Detention Center suspended all visitation to inmates until March 30, 2020, with continuing evaluation. Any questions should be directed to the Bamberg County Detention Center at 803-245-3020.
Bamberg County Magistrate court suspended jury trials until further notice. There are no changes with bond hearings. Bond hearings will continue twice per day. Any questions should be directed to the Magistrate's office at 803-245-3016.
Bamberg General Sessions Grand Jury on March 23, 2020 and Petit Jury for March 24, 2020 is canceled. Jurors are not needed. Family Court is canceled until the next judicial order is received. Questions should be directed to 803-245-3025.
Bamberg County Probate Court is only taking emergency hearings in-person until May. All other hearings and correspondence are to be conducted via email or phone. For title searches, one person at a time is allowed to access the physical files; otherwise, any filings, payments, etc. will be done from the hallway. Anyone entering the court will either wear gloves or use hand sanitizer. Telephone conferences and emails will be used with attorneys. Call 803-245-3008 for more information.
Governor Henry McMaster announced the postponement of all elections scheduled for March and April, including the City of Bamberg's special election on April 7, 2020. This election will be rescheduled after May 1, 2020 and the specific date will be announced later. Governor McMaster's announcement does not change the March candidate filing period. Bamberg County candidate filing opened at noon on March 16 and will close at noon on March 30. Please call the Bamberg County Voter Registration and Elections Office at 803-245-3028 with questions.
The ABBE Regional Library System closed all library buildings effective March 16 until March 31, with continuing evaluation. Due dates on library materials will be extended and book drops will remain open. Any fines incurred during this period will be waived. The ABBE Regional Library System offers e-materials including books, audiobooks, movies, and television. To learn more, please visit our Digital Branch Library at https://www.abbe-lib.org/digital/
The Bamberg County Office on Aging is no longer providing meals at their location on Log Branch Road in Bamberg. All meals will be delivered to homes with appropriate safety measures. With the increase in home-delivered meals, the Office on Aging needs additional volunteer drivers. Additional changes include closure of the Senior Center until further notice. Exercise classes, homemaker services, and medical transportation will also continue for as long as it is safely possible. Please call 803-245-3021 for more information.
These changes are to ensure public and staff safety during the COVID-19 outbreak. The public is encouraged to call, email, or use the drive-through Treasurer's window, or online services via the Bamberg County website (www.bambergcounty.sc.gov) rather than attend offices in-person, whenever possible and practical. For more information, email info@bambergcounty.sc.gov or call 803-245-5191. Specific department email addresses and phone numbers can be located on the Bamberg County website: www.bambergcountysc.gov. COVID-19 specific information can be found on the county website: http://www.bambergcountysc.gov/covid-19-updates