SC Gov. McMaster allows some stores to reopen 2 weeks after closing due to COVID-19
Rolling back an executive order issued just two weeks ago to curb the spread of the coronavirus, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday reversed restrictions on some businesses, allowing some retail stores to reopen as state public health officials continue to fight the novel virus that has so far claimed more than 100 lives in the state.
McMaster called the move that took effect Monday a gradual step, saying repeatedly during a press conference that data and science are guiding him. However, asked by reporters on Monday to elaborate on what data and evidence specifically are informing officials that reopening some businesses is a safe for the public, McMaster said the public’s “compliance” with social distancing recommendations and South Carolinians’ “common sense” were guiding his decision, not any specific data point.
“We believe that we can do this, if compliance remains at the high level that it has been, we can do this without endangering the population,” McMaster said.
Under the governor’s new order, department stores can reopen, along with other retail businesses deemed “nonessential” such as sporting goods stores, book, music, shoe and craft stores, jewelry stores, floral shops and other luggage and leather goods stores.
Stores, however, still must abide by previous mandates that limit occupancy to five customers per 1,000 square feet, or 20% of posted occupancy limits, whichever is lower.
The governor also loosened restrictions on public access to beaches and waterways, leaving it up to local jurisdictions.
McMaster’s order does not include barbershops, salons or gyms, all which involve close contact. And it does not lift restrictions on inside dining or the governor’s stay-at-home executive order that asks South Carolinians to work remotely if at all possible.
“Our measured, deliberate approach has been the right one we believe,” McMaster said Monday. “Our goal was to cause the most damage possible to the virus, while doing the least possible damage ... to our businesses. South Carolina’s business is business.”
The rollback of restrictions first imposed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus comes as health officials admit cases are still on the rise in the state and have not yet leveled out.
Public health officials have continued to stress that the spread of the coronavirus is not yet over, asking people to continue social distancing measures, wear face masks and avoid contact as much as possible to help lessen the potentially fatal virus’ spread.
In South Carolina, health officials reported Monday 4,439 total positive COVID-19 cases and a total of 124 deaths as a result.
The state is projected to hit more than 6,900 cases by May 9, said state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell.
Yet despite that, there has been a growing effort on the ground and nationally to begin opening up states’ economy in phases and South Carolina is no exception.
Last week, McMaster told reporters he would like the state’s economy “to be humming” by the end of June.
And the state’s commerce secretary Bobby Hitt said some of the manufacturing companies could restart production by May.
Helping to lead that effort is James Burns, who was appointed by McMaster on Monday to head his new advisory council, Accelerate SC. The group will help the state work to reopen the state’s economy and further allow people to leave their homes, McMaster said.
Burns, a former chairman of the State Ethics Commission and currently an attorney at Nelson Mullins law firm, worked in then-Gov. Nikki Haley’s administration as chief of staff from 2014 to 2015 after Ted Pitts stepped down to become the executive director and president of the S.C. Chamber of Commerce.
The new group will be comprised of about 30 people charged with recommending to the governor short-, intermediate- and long-term goals to jump start the state’s economy. The group will meet for the first time on Thursday and is slated to work for 30 days.
The council’s members vary anywhere from business leaders, health care providers and local government officials.
Among those who were selected include historically-black university Benedict College President Rosalyn Clark Artis; Nephron Pharmaceuticals CEO Lou Kennedy; Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott; and Horry County Councilman Tyler Servant.
State House leaders also have a role.
Senate President Harvey Peeler, R-Cherokee, and House Speaker Jay Lucas, R-Darlington, will each appoint three legislators.
The governor’s office said Monday that McMaster can act on the council’s recommendations as he sees fit.
Health officials have warned states against reopening too quickly.
On ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday, infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci, who is on President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 task force, said reopening economies too soon could cause further harm and derail efforts to slow and stop the spread.
In South Carolina, state epidemiologist Bell said the risk for COVID-19 exposure continues until the state can report a “significant and persistent” decline in the virus.
“We all obviously want to see an economic recovery,” Bell said on Monday. “But at the same time we have to, along with that, give the message that the risk of exposure remains for everyone.”
This story was originally published April 20, 2020 at 4:16 PM.
