SC governor extends impact of coronavirus on state employees, colleges, hospitals
Gov. Henry McMaster ordered that all non-essential state employees work from home for the time being as the coronavirus crisis continues.
McMaster on Thursday told reporters he has ordered state agency directors to determine which employees could work from home in order to help prevent the spread of the disease.
As part of his executive order, McMaster called on the presidents of the state’s colleges, universities and technical colleges to determine which employees are essential to ensuring students can complete their semester coursework online.
County and city governments also were ordered to provide unlimited access to their buildings if state agencies are housed in them, under McMaster’s order. This is to allow residents to access those services as needed.
McMaster said those agencies need to remain open and responsive.
“If county’s close, they must not disallow the functioning of that state agency,” McMaster said.
McMaster also requested that hospitals and other overnight medical facilities to immediately restrict visitation in their facilities, and allow only visits to patients in end of life situations.
Those visitors, McMaster said, are “asking for masks, gloves, gowns and other things, and what that does is it takes them away from people that need them to treat this virus.”
To help workers who may have been laid off because of the slowdown in economic activity because of the virus, McMaster also ordered that unemployment benefit applications be expedited, so benefits can come within one week instead of two weeks.
McMaster also ordered that unemployment insurance payments by employers are suspended until June 1 to allow businesses to have additional cash on hand.
The governor gave a warning to those who may want to take advantage of the situation and commit crimes.
“Lawlessness will not be tolerated,” McMaster said.
He added because schools are closed, school resource officers are available to patrol communities.
As of Thursday, 81 people in South Carolina had tested positive for the coronavirus, as officials are working to limit the spread of COVID-19.
During the conference McMaster asked the public do to its part to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Use common sense, treat their neighbors courteously and compassionately, if you don’t need to be in a public space, then stay home,” McMaster said. “We know this virus is spread by contact.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 6:29 PM.
