Gov. McMaster discourages groups of 3+ people as coronavirus cases in SC rise to 298
Gov. Henry McMaster rolled out a new measure on Monday that gives law enforcement more discretion to break up groups of three or more people as health officials work to stop the spread of coronavirus cases in South Carolina.
On Monday, health officials reported 103 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 34 counties. Officials also announced that as of Monday five people — in Charleston, Clarendon, Florence, Kershaw and Lexington counties — had died after contracting the virus. The two deaths in Clarendon and Kershaw counties were announced Monday afternoon.
Chester, Georgetown and Oconee counties reported its first cases, while Kershaw and Richland counties continue to rank highest in the state for positive cases. The hike in cases was a result of two days of public health lab testing after a shipment delay from one of the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s suppliers that ran later than usual, the agency explained.
“I’m happy to report that South Carolina is making great progress,” McMaster said on Monday, nothing that roughly half of the number of state employees are working from home and urged private employers to follow the state’s lead. “We are coming together, working together in a way that we see in these emergency situations and it’s comforting to see it happening with this unprecedented situation and unprecedented emergency.”
McMaster reiterated at this time he is not considering a shelter-in-place order for South Carolina residents as some other states have implemented. He did, however, give law enforcement more discretion to break up groups of three or more people who pose a risk to public health. McMaster said his order is similar to a public nuisance statute and that anyone caught in violation could face a misdemeanor charge.
“It would apply to parties on the beach, to boisterous gatherings or concerts, to spontaneous gatherings or unruly gatherings in shopping centers, parking lots,” McMaster said. “Those are the kinds of things and we have all seen them.”
The order does not apply to is law-abiding businesses or employers, McMaster said.
“It’s difficult to draw the line, but we know it when we see it. And law officers have this authority by state law and under this state of emergency I’m asking them to implement it vigorously according to their discretion. We must not have these sort of gatherings that are invitations for infection.”
McMaster has also issued a number of executive orders aimed at battling the spread of the virus. McMaster ordered restaurants to close their dining rooms, but allowed them to do curbside pickup for beer and wine. The governor also ordered police to disperse large crowds at the state’s beaches.
Government officials at both the state and federal levels made moves to combat the coronavirus.
State lawmakers doled out $45 million to the Department of Health and Environmental Control to fight COVID-19. The U.S. Senate passed a coronavirus aid package aimed at helping workers impacted by the virus, which President Donald Trump later signed.
Currently, lawmakers in Washington are working on a third coronavirus relief package that could cost the government $2 trillion. The package would send $1,200 checks to Americans making less than $75,000. Congress has also approved an emergency spending package that sent $8.9 million to South Carolina.
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 4:34 PM.
