SC extends deadlines for professional licensing renewals due to coronavirus
People who work as barbers, cosmetologists, contractors and dentists, among other professions, who have to renew their licenses have a few more months do so, the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation announced.
People who have professional and occupational licenses, registrations and permits were scheduled to renew between April and August now have a new deadline of Sept. 30.
“The agency recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices our licensees are making during this difficult time, and we want to do our part in making things easier for them,” LLR Director Emily Farr said.
License holders will still be able to renew their licenses during the originally scheduled time frame if they chose but aren’t required to, LLR said in the news release.
Gov. Henry McMaster has encouraged people to stay at home, while not mandating it, during the coronavirus outbreak. He has closed non-essential businesses, such as barber shops, salons and massage therapy establishments.
“We recognize the toll that this virus is taking on South Carolinians, and we are committed to doing all that we can to support them during these challenging times,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in the news release.
Licensing boards that are affected by this extension are:
- Barbers
- Cosmetology
- Contractors
- Dentistry
- Engineers and Surveyors
- Environmental Certification
- Funeral
- Long Term Health Care
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas
- Manufactured Housing
- Massage Therapy
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Real Estate Appraisers
- Real Estate Commission
- Residential Builders
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 April 3, 2020 at 2:15 PM.