South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (R) on Tuesday ordered the closure of non-essential businesses as the Palmetto State continues to gear up to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
McMaster issued the executive order on Tuesday, which extends to businesses in three main categories: Entertainment venues, recreational and athletic facilities, and close-contact service providers. Businesses within those categories include fitness centers, concert venues, nightclubs, auditoriums, racetracks, bingo halls, spectator sports, tourist attractions, spas, hair salons, tanning salons, and other businesses and activities within the categories deemed nonessential. The order goes into effect on Wednesday, April 1 and extends through April 15.
“The virus is still spreading and still growing,” McMaster said on Tuesday. “We have to do everything we can… but not go too far and destroy businesses and jobs people are depending on.”
“The bare minimum will close,” he added.
McMaster has also ordered residents to practice social distancing and called for the end of public gatherings of three or more. Additionally, he ordered those flocking to South Carolina from coronavirus hotspots — like the New York Tri-State area and Louisiana — to self-isolate for 14 days.
South Carolina had 1,083 confirmed cases of the virus as of Tuesday.