SC Gov. McMaster orders closure of more businesses, short-term rentals
Gov. Henry McMaster ordered the closure of more businesses throughout the state on Friday, and announced short-term rentals would be suspended as part of the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak.
The governor said that in addition to the non-essential businesses already ordered to close, several more businesses would close as of 5 p.m. Monday. The affected businesses include all furniture, jewelry and department stores, clothing and shoe stores, florists, sporting goods, book, crafts, music and home furnishing stores.
In addition, the state will also begin suspending short-term rentals for many travelers from coronavirus “hot spots.” That means hotels and motels, bed and breakfasts and other short-term rentals will be suspended indefinitely to halt spread of the coronavirus.
The order will not affect rentals to military service members, medical personnel, first responders and long-haul transporters.
McMaster said the order ending rentals went into effect immediately Friday afternoon.
On Wednesday, McMaster ordered many non-essential businesses to close in effort to halt the spread of the coronavirus. South Carolina had 1,700 coronavirus cases around the state on Friday, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. At least 34 people have died from the virus.
But McMaster continued to resist the idea that South Carolina issue an order requiring residents to stay at home. Most other states in the Southeast have issued such stay-at-home orders in recent days, with Alabama becoming the most recent one on Friday.
McMaster said South Carolina is different from other states that have issued stay-at-home orders, noting the Palmetto State does not have major metropolitan areas like New Orleans, Atlanta or New York City. South Carolina is one of 10 states in the country without such an order.
“Every state is different,” he said. “They have different economies, different resources, they have different medical facilities. We are taking a deliberate approach, to be as aggressive as we possibly can at the right time and we’re following the data and the science to do that.”
Peppered with questions on the issue at Friday’s press conference, McMaster said he is following the advice of experts in crafting the state’s response.
“That could be where we end up,” McMaster said of a possible stay-at-home order. “We are taking a deliberate approach to keep our people safe.”
Instead, McMaster emphasized the many other actions he has taken in response to COVID-19. The governor has previously ordered restaurants and bars to close dining areas and only operate for take-out orders. He also closed access to state beaches and waterways, and banned gatherings of more than three people.
McMaster said at Friday’s press conference that he encourages people to stay home and distance themselves from others if they can.
Columbia issued its own stay-at-home order last week for residents within the city limits. Charleston and Mount Pleasant have also issued stay-home orders in their municipalities, even though the state attorney general says those powers my be trumped by the governor’s emergency powers.
Richland County is also considering a stay-at-home order. Other municipalities and elected leaders have called for McMaster to follow the lead of other governors and issue a statewide stay-at-home order.
Reporter Joseph Bustos contributed
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 5:12 PM.
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