Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 4
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 6,700
At least 6,757 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 283 have died, according to state health officials.
On Monday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 135 new cases of COVID-19 and eight new deaths.
Greenvile County had the most new cases with 30, followed by Richland and Sumter counties, which both had 13.
Six deaths announced Monday were among seniors, in Clarendon, Greenville, Horry, and Richland counties. Two middle-aged residents from Clarendon and Marlboro counties died as well.
More than 3.5 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 251,000 deaths have been reported worldwide. In the United States, more than 1.1 million cases and more than 68,000 deaths have been reported.
Which restaurants are reopening?
Gov. Henry McMaster lifted a restriction on outdoor dining last week, and restaurants across the state are firing up their kitchens and opening up their patios for patrons.
The State reported on which Columbia-area restaurants are serving again.
But some owners also felt it was too soon to be welcoming customers back for a sit-down meal.
“It’s too soon,” Motor Supply Co. Bistro owner Eddie Wales said. “We don’t feel comfortable right now. Plus carry out has been tremendous.”
Midlands mall reopened
Columbiana Centre, the largest mall in the Midlands, reopened over the weekend, according to The State.
The shopping center is taking precautions to keep patrons safe, including hand-sanitizing stations, frequent cleanings, and promoting social distancing, the outlet reported.
“We are working diligently to provide a safe, clean environment where people feel comfortable shopping, dining and enjoying their time,” according to an announcement on the Columbiana Centre website.
Orders lifted
Gov. Henry McMaster’s “home or work” order that has been in effect since April 7 becomes voluntary on Monday.
Restaurants, which have been banned from providing dine-in services since mid-March, will also be allowed to serve customers outside, The State reported.
Additionally, orders requiring visitors from coronavirus “hot spots” such as New York and Connecticut to quarantine for 14 days and prohibiting short-term rentals to such visitors have been lifted.
Preparing for hurricanes during pandemic
Horry County leaders say they are working on potential changes to how they handle hurricanes during the coronavirus pandemic.
During particularly bad storms, officials often set up hurricane shelters in which people who were forced to leave their homes sleep in school buildings or other tight quarters.
Emergency leaders have created a plan that outlines how the Red Cross would help people in need of shelter and what would happen if power outages prevent working from home, The Sun News reports.
Food program expanded
A program that provides five free meals a week to seniors in South Carolina has been expanded amid the coronavirus pandemic, The State reports.
The Emergency Senior Nutrition Program will now be available in 16 counties for five weeks: Anderson, Clarendon, Lexington, Richland, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Horry, Kershaw, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg and Williamsburg.
Those 60 and older, or those caring for a senior, and who live in the county of distribution are eligible and must bring a state-issued ID and provide a name, address and phone number.
This story was originally published May 4, 2020 at 7:33 AM.
