Gov. Henry McMaster held a media briefing on Tuesday evening.
With COVID-19 now in 42 counties, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Tuesday announced the closure of nonessential businesses and activities in hopes of containing the coronavirus and keeping residents of the Palmetto State healthy.
“The things that we have been asking people to do are the things that experts, the data, the science and the knowledge of the experts have shown work. And if people will do those things, then we’ll get through this better than we will if they don’t,” McMaster said. He has declined to issue a stay-at-home order, which other states, including neighboring North Carolina, have done.
The businesses and activities the governor focused on are those that require a huge amount of contact and that are not considered essential, “although it’s essential for the business,” he said. They include:
Entertainment venues:
- Night clubs
- Bowling alleys
- Arcades
- Concerts
- Theaters
- Auditoriums
- Tourist attractions
- Racetracks
- Indoor children play facilities (Not including day cares)
- Bingo halls
- Social clubs
Athletic facilities and activities:
- Sports requiring interaction with another person
- Activities that require shared equipment
- Activities on public equipment
Close contact service providers:
- Barber shops
- Hair salons
- Waxing salons
- Threading salons
- Nail salons and spas
- Body art facilities and tattoo services
- Tanning salons
- Massage therapy establishments and massage services
This will go into effect on April 1 and could last 15 days. For additional information, visit the South Carolina Department of Commerce website. If you have any questions, email covid19sc@sccommerce.com or call 803-734-2873.
