SC shelter-in-place order not being considered ‘at this time,’ McMaster says
Gov. Henry McMaster’s office reiterated on Monday that he is not considering ordering South Carolinians to stay inside their homes because of coronavirus.
The governor this weekend tried to squelch rumors of a lockdown, saying that rumors can be “dangerous.”
“At this time, ordering South Carolinians to shelter in place is not under consideration,” McMaster tweeted on Saturday. “If we all work together, act responsibly, and take necessary precautions, lives can be saved now.”
McMaster added: “I’d like to remind all South Carolinians that we should listen to official sources of information like @scdhec, @CDCgov, and reputable media sites. Hearsay and rumors create confusion and anxiety, and can be dangerous. This will help us win this fight against this COVID-19.”
Brian Symmes, McMaster’s spokesman, told The State on Monday, “The governor’s tweet from Saturday . . . remain(s) true.”
While the governor has mobilized some S.C. National Guard soldiers, it is only to deliver supplies for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, a guard spokeswoman said.
Symmes also said a statement from Saturday extending the state tax filed deadline to July 15, allowing the curbside sale of sealed containers of beer and wine, and urging construction companies to donate protective masks also remains unchanged.
As of Monday morning, the state has 195 confirmed cases of COVID-19.
So far eight states have imposed shelter-in-place orders: New York, California, Washington, Illinois, New Jersey, Delaware (starting Tuesday), Louisiana and Ohio.
In other states, the lockdown orders still allow residents to go on essential errands such as buying groceries, jogging and walking the dog, picking up prescriptions, visiting a doctor or getting supplies to work from home.
Nearby, Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, is under a shelter-in-place order until April 7.
Maayan Schechter contributed to this report
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 23, 2020 at 12:50 PM.