Want to fish or play golf during SC’s stay-home order? You can, but with a catch
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued a “Home or Work” order that went into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday as the state tries to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The executive order tells people to stay at home if they are not going to work or out tending to essential needs (such as buying food or groceries, or getting medications). The order also restricts capacity of any open stores to five people inside per 1,000 square feet, or 20% of posted capacity. Disobeying the order is a misdemeanor and carries 30 days in jail and/or $100 fine for each day of violation.
Under the order, people can also leave their house to exercise or visit family. But what does the order mean for recreational activities? We answer some of the questions you might have.
Can I go to the beach or take my boat out on the lake or river?
Only if you have private access. Public access points are closed. A private neighborhood dock or ramp are not affected by this order.
According to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, any public beach access, parking areas and other public facilities associated with the access points have been closed. According to the order, “any and all public beach access points and public piers, docks, wharfs, boat ramp and boat landings that provide public access to the public waters of this State shall be closed to public access for recreational purposes for the duration of the State of Emergency.”
Can I fish and hunt?
Yes, with a few things to keep in mind. Being able to fish, just like with boating, requires you to get to the water without needing a public access point. (Bank fishing from a public landing is not allowed.)
With hunting, some wildlife management areas are closed.
According to the S.C. DNR: “The ‘Home or Work’ order doesn’t prohibit outdoor recreation. You still can still engage in hunting and fishing activities throughout the state. This order maintains the requirement to maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from all individuals that do not reside together.”
Can I go running or biking, or go for a walk with my family?
Walking, running or riding a bicycle are OK, especially in your own neighborhood. Walking along such spots as the Lake Murray dam is still allowed, but use common sense and practice social distancing.
Can I play golf?
Yes, golf courses and driving ranges were not businesses that were prohibited under the order. You can play if the course remains open and as long as you practice social distancing. Courses in South Carolina have taken steps to help with safety, such as offering one-rider golf carts and removing flags from holes to limit touch points.
Can I play a game of pickup basketball or another sport with friends?
McMaster’s order prohibits “sports that involve interaction in close proximity to and within less than six feet of another person.” So any games involving a ball are best limited to you, your family and your yard.
What is banned?
McMaster’s order prohibits recreational/athletic facilities and activities as follows:
▪ Fitness and exercise centers and commercial gyms
▪ Spas and public or commercial swimming pools
▪ Group exercise facilities, to include yoga, barre, and spin studios or facilities
▪ Spectator sports
▪ Sports that involve interaction in close proximity to and within less than six (6) feet of another person
▪ Activities that require the use of shared sporting apparatus and equipment
▪ Activities on commercial or public playground equipment
