McMaster’s coronavirus business closings: What’s open, what’s closed
Nonessential businesses are those which put people in close contact with others and aren’t necessary to function in ordinary life.
Other states have come out with long lists of what businesses can stay open, but Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday his list of nonessential businesses is more narrowly drawn to include only those he says must close to better fight the coronavirus.
Other states’ lists “are so long and confusing that we decided to do it just the opposite and list only those — the bare minimum — that we can restrict or close,” McMaster said Tuesday at a press conference announcing the new restrictions, part of his latest executive order aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, a sometimes fatal and highly contagious disease.
“These are places where we know the virus has a good place to grow,” McMaster said, “but are also not essential as the others.”
Thus, you won’t be able to get a tattoo or a haircut in South Carolina — but you will be able to buy gas, food and medicine.
“We whittled it down to where we could get the biggest impact with the smallest disruption,” the governor said.
The businesses must close at 5 p.m. Wednesday.
What you can do in businesses staying open:
▪ Buy groceries. Grocery stores will remain open.
▪ Pick up prescriptions and other medical supplies. This includes large big box stores such as WalMart and Target.
▪ Order and pick up takeout food. This includes drive-through windows at places like McDonald’s and Starbucks.
▪ Leave your child at day care centers. McMaster said at his Tuesday press conference that these businesses are essential. “People need daycare centers.” However, many daycare providers close if the public schools where they’re located also close. Public schools across the state have been ordered closed through the end of April.
▪ Visit a bank. Financial institutions can remain open.
▪ Visit the post office. Along with other businesses that deliver goods.
▪ Use a laundromat, dry cleaner and other laundry services.
▪ Visit gas stations and convenience stores.
▪ Visit wireless providers like Verizon.
▪ Buy tools at hardware stores.
WHERE YOU CAN’T GO ...
▪ Nonessential businesses that bring people into close contact with others. These are barber shops, tattoo parlors, massage therapy, hair salons, tanning salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons and spas, body art facilities and massage therapy establishments and massage services.
,▪ Nonessential businesses that involve athletic events that bring people closer than six feet. These are gyms and fitness centers, public and commercial swimming pols, spas, group exercise facilities such as yoga, barre and spin places, spectator sports, sports that involve interadction with another person closer than six feet.
▪ Nonessential businesses that involve entertainment or educational events that bring people closer than six feet. Night clubs, bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, theaters and performing arts centers, museums, aquariums, planetariums, racetracks, indoor children’s play areas, “adult” entertainment places, bingo halls and meeting places of groups like Rotary.
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.