Governor McMaster Reopens Beach Access, Some Businesses; Says Compliance Has Been Very Good
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster is reopening beaches along South Carolina’s coast effective noon, tomorrow, April 21st.
That’s according to his latest press conference. The governor stated he is cancelling his previous order on March 30th to close all beaches. Instead, mayors and councils of those areas can make their own decision about public access.
McMaster says compliance has been very good and common sense is being shown.
McMaster also says law enforcement can still break up groups of three or more, and that includes on the beaches too.
Another update to a current executive order – the governor is cancelling his past order on retail stores, reopening many businesses, but requiring social distancing. but what is still required is 5 customers per 1,000 square feet or 20 percent of capacity. Business owners should be sure social distancing is being followed. This goes into effect at 5 p.m. today.
The following businesses are included in this updated mandate. Furniture and home furnishing stores, clothing, shoe and accessory stores, jewelry, luggage and leather good stores, department stores with the exception of hardware and home improvement stores, sporting good stores, books, craft and music stores, flea markets and floral shops.
Hair and nail salons and other personal service businesses were not mentioned in the press briefing.
McMaster says he has seen compliance and common sense in South Carolina and believes, “if compliance remains at the high level it has been, we can do this without endangering the population.”
“The state took a gradual, measured approach going in,” the governor said. “We’re not opening everything back up.”
He says a decision on schools will be made later by school officials as they’re studying data as we speak.
McMaster talked about his organization, Accelerate South Carolina, an volunteer organization that consists of 29 participants and will last 30 days.
Members will conduct meetings and include all sectors of South Carolina’s economy, ranging from transportation, tourism, manufacturing and hospitality. The initiative is for testing and access to treatment, protecting vulnerable populations, opening up a one-shot information resource for residents and getting the state on a path to economic boom once given the green-light to reopen fully.
Dr. Linda Bell with SC DHEC…
SC DHEC is reporting 64 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total to 4,439. New projections indicate that South Carolina may see 750 new cases per week by early May and the total number of cases is expected to grow to 6,953 by May 9th.
DHEC says projections show the curve may be leveling out in South Carolina and the agency is looking for ways to increase testing and better monitor disease activity.
“The risk for exposure remains, until we see a consistent and significant decline in infections,” Bell said.
