US: Officials in South Carolina maintain COVID-19 restrictions, as of Jan. 11 /update 12

Event

As of Jan. 11, certain business restrictions remain in effect in South Carolina as part of the state government's efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Under the current guidelines, all businesses are allowed to operate, albeit with some limitations. Restaurants can operate without specific capacity limits, but employees and customers must wear facemasks and alcohol may not be sold 2300-1000. No more than eight persons may be seated per table; tables must be separated by at least 1.8 meters (six feet). Festivals, concerts, stadiums, and other event venues may operate with up to 250 attendees or 50-percent of the venue's capacity, whichever is less. All attendees must wear protective facemasks.

Essential businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and those in security, transport, media, and critical manufacturing, have not been subject to mandatory COVID-19-related closures. Authorities encourage all residents to remain at home, limit interactions with others, and wear protective facemasks whenever in public.

Local officials in the following nine counties have in place orders for residents to wear facemasks in public settings: Beaufort, Charleston, Chesterfield, Colleton, Georgetown, Oconee, Orangeburg, Richland, and Williamsburg. The orders are also in place in multiple cities, including Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and North Charleston.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

WHO coronavirus knowledge base

South Carolina COVID-19 Updates

Government of South Carolina - Reopening Plan and Guidelines