Coronavirus live updates: Here’s the latest on the Grand Strand on March 22
One week after Horry County reported its first confirmed case of coronavirus, the Myrtle Beach area now has nine reported cases as of Saturday evening.
Across South Carolina, the total is now 173 confirmed cases, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, with three coronavirus-related deaths. No deaths have been reported in Horry County.
With the confirmed cases numbers of COVID-19 on the rise, health officials continue to urge folks young and old to practice social distancing, limit unnecessary social interactions and wash your hands.
Here are the latest updates on how the coronavirus is affecting The Grand Strand
Since the first confirmed case was announced last Sunday, the state, Horry County, Myrtle Beach and surrounding towns and cities have declared states of emergencies, schools and public facilities have shuttered, and dine-in restaurants statewide have been ordered to close, though many eateries along the Grand Strand are offering free delivery and curbside pick up.
Other establishments have gotten creative by altering how they conduct business.
While South Carolina restaurants remain prohibited from providing dine-in service as state health officials work to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order Saturday that allows those establishments to also provide beer and wine along with drive-through and curbside pick-up orders.
Under the new rules establishments with beer and wine permits can now serve closed containers of alcohol for curbside pick-up orders as long as customers provide valid ID.
The City of Myrtle Beach also loosened signage and tent regulations to help businesses inform customers they are open. Though some businesses remain open, others have closed and area events have been canceled or postponed. Here’s a list of closures.
However, the beaches remain open to spring breakers, tourists and residents, despite college students spending the last few days partying along the surf in the Myrtle Beach area.
McMaster said he would carefully monitor the beaches, but ordered local law enforcement officials to increase their presence on beaches to disperse of any crowds and ensure people are adhering to the guidelines of social distancing. He tweeted Friday afternoon that large gatherings of more than 10 people are inappropriate at this time.
While states like New York, California, New Jersey, Illinois and Connecticut enact ‘shelter in place’ or ‘stay at home’ ordinances, McMaster said on Saturday that option isn’t being considered for South Carolina at this time.
“At this time, ordering South Carolinians to shelter in place is not under consideration. If we all work together, act responsibly, and take necessary precautions, lives can be saved now,” McMaster tweeted.
Takeaways from this weekend
Area churches, including The Beach Church, Seacoast Church and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, will use live streams or drive-ins to keep holding services today to avoid violating recommendations to avoid large crowds. Check your individual place of worship’s Facebook page or website for specific details on upcoming plans.
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is postponing spring graduation. More details will be announced at a future date.
Grand Strand Health will no longer accept visitors with some exceptions. Patients needing care will be admitted as well as one visitor per laboring mother, one parent/guardian per child patient younger than 18 and visitors for end-of-life situations.
Through April 6, Conway Medical Center will only perform medically-necessary surgeries. All elective surgeries will be rescheduled. CMC’s Outpatient Diagnostic Center will be open Monday and Tuesday for imaging services, but will be closed from Wednesday through April 6. Scheduled appointments during that time will be rescheduled.
With grocery stores hustling to restock, essential products, such as toilet paper and disinfectants, continue to be missing from the shelves amid this health crisis. But you’re in luck, Twelve 33 Distillery owner Kevin Osborn is giving away free hand sanitizer he made after repurposing two of his 100-gallon fermenters through March 28.
In need of some entertainment? Dead Dog Saloon and The Boathouse are a few local restaurants offering live music via Facebook Live. You can also watch a new Netflix true crime documentary series about Myrtle Beach Safari owner Bhagavan “Doc” Antle.
Don’t like those options? Subscribe to The Sun News and catch up on all the great work being done by our dedicated staff.
Lastly, you asked, we answered. Here is a Q&A based on questions submitted to The Sun News. We welcome more questions at this link: http://bit.ly/VirusinMyrtleBeach.
A few things to expect this week
Tidelands Health will be holding a blood drive on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tidelands Health Conference Center.
Almost all government meetings are still canceled as officials work out the details of holding remote meetings that are also open to the public.
The City of Myrtle Beach closed its buildings to the public to protect employees but business can still be done online or over the phone. If you have a question for city staff, you can start by calling a 843-918-INFO. The hot-line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach buildings are also closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to use online services to pay bills or do other business.
Horry County Government has closed its facilities to the public. The internet is the best way to conduct business with the county. If you have questions for county staff call 843-915-5000.
Lastly, don’t forget to wash your hands, take care of yourself and others and listen to reputable, trusted sources.
If you’ve been affected by this health crisis or you have story idea, reach out to ayoung@thesunnews.com.
This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 9:08 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s the latest on the Grand Strand on March 22."
