South Carolina state parks closed through April amid coronavirus
South Carolina state parks are closing as measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus are put in place by the state.
The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism announced Friday morning that all state parks will be closed from March 28 through April 30.
Visitors at campsites and cabins can stay through the duration of their reservation “as long as they continue to practice the state’s recommendations for social distancing,” according to a statement from the department.
“The closure is designed to keep visitors and employees as safe as possible by mitigating the spread of the coronavirus,” the department said.
This is the third time the department has limited access to parks this month in response COVID-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus.
“Earlier, state parks canceled all large-group gathering reservations and suspended all interpretive programming and special events for March,” the park service said. “Those suspensions remain in place through April. For two days this week, parks closed day-use areas like picnic grounds, lakefronts and trails. Those areas will remain closed through April 30 as well.”
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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.