Here’s how Myrtle Beach-area sports events will be impacted as coronavirus looms in nearby states
Coronavirus fears are not slowing down sports tourism in Myrtle Beach.
Despite an outbreak of confirmed cases in states that neighbor South Carolina, county and city officials say events will continue this weekend.
The Myrtle Beach Marathon — set for Saturday in the City of Myrtle Beach — alone attracts about 5,000 people. Other upcoming sporting events include a gymnastics meet, as well as baseball and softball tournaments.
Randy Webster said Horry County is currently in an awareness stage. Washing your hands and doing your best to avoid touching too much are key in avoiding the virus, he said. No major county events are cancelled, and there are not any closures planned at this time.
“We are coordinating up and down the ladder and will escalate our response if our risk increases,” Webster said.
City of Myrtle Beach officials are still welcoming visitors to the area for sporting events and other tourist attractions.
Mark Kruea, city spokesperson, said one precaution the city suggests is to avoid handshakes and fist bumps at sporting events.
“Unless you’ve been out of the country recently or in contact with someone who has the flu or the coronavirus, attending an event here (or anywhere) is likely no more risky than going to work every day, going to the grocery store or going out to eat,” he said in an email to The Sun News.
The City of Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune said she is “somewhat concerned” that coronavirus will spread to the Grand Strand, but she said, “However we cannot ask visitors not to come here. Our businesses rely on our tourism.”
The city’s goal is to get information out about heath care and virus transmission precautions, Bethune said. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and hospitality association are working with the businesses to “stress these precautions,” Bethune said.
The chamber has launched a webpage about coronavirus outbreak readiness with updates and information about the virus, and is working with local officials.
“At this time there is no information to report to our visitors other than that Myrtle Beach is currently open for business and looking forward to welcoming our guests this spring,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of the chamber. “We will work with our local health officials and city and county partners to ensure our visitors are aware of any risks associated with the coronavirus.”
Myrtle Beach Marathon officials say the safety of participants, volunteers and staff are always a top priority.
“We are working with the City of Myrtle Beach to monitor the threat of coronavirus,” Kara Zoellner with Capstone Races said in an email to The Sun News. “And should it be deemed necessary to make alterations to our race weekend plans, we will notify all participants by email as well as our social media platforms.”
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns people to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, stay home when sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Facemasks should only be used by people showing symptoms of the virus and those caring for people who are sick. Here is where to find more information about preventing the spread of coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 5, 2020 at 8:37 AM with the headline "Here’s how Myrtle Beach-area sports events will be impacted as coronavirus looms in nearby states."
