South Carolina Coronavirus Lockdown Rules As State of Emergency Extended to End of April
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a new state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak. The new order extends the previous one until at least April 27.
According to the governor, all previous orders remain in place for the duration of the emergency or until he announces otherwise.
McMaster declared a state of emergency on March 13, followed by an announcement to close public schools starting on March 14. Restaurants were ordered to close as of March 18.
The governor also issued a Home or Work order which states that all citizens in South Carolina must remain at home or work unless visiting family, exercising or obtaining essential goods or services, which include food shopping and picking up medicine.
South Carolina residents should also maintain social distancing guidelines, which include staying at least six feet away from people outside of their household.
McMaster said that a violation of the mandatory orders would result in a misdemeanor penalty of 30 days in jail and / or a $100 fine for each day of violation.
At least 3,319 people have tested positive for coronavirus in South Carolina, and 82 people have died, according to public health officials.
Officials reported 113 new cases and two deaths on Sunday, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
South Carolina's State Of Emergency
McMaster has said students, parents and families should plan for public schools to be closed throughout the month of April, with the recommendation of Superintendent of Education Molly Mitchell Spearman.
Schooling is to complete the Spring 2020 semester via virtual and remote learning and by housing only out-of-state or displaced students. College and university officials are to designate certain on-campus services as essential or necessary.
During the state of emergency, any and all 911 operators or other emergency dispatchers are authorized to ask if any individual placing a call for service or a member of their household has either tested positive for COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms of the virus.
Non-essential stores are to remain closed, including but not limited to: Furniture stores, clothing stores, jewelry stores, department stores and books stores.
Concert venues, tourist attractions and other entertainment facilties are to stay shut, as well as fitness and exercise centers, gyms, spas and swimming pools. Hair salons, barber shops and other beauty stores have been ordered to close too.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advice on Using Face Coverings to Slow Spread of COVID-19
- CDC recommends wearing a cloth face covering in public where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
- A simple cloth face covering can help slow the spread of the virus by those infected and by those who do not exhibit symptoms.
- Cloth face coverings can be fashioned from household items. Guides are offered by the CDC. (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html)
- Cloth face coverings should be washed regularly. A washing machine will suffice.
- Practice safe removal of face coverings by not touching eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash hands immediately after removing the covering.
World Health Organization advice for avoiding spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Hygiene advice
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand rub.
- Wash hands after coughing or sneezing; when caring for the sick; before, during and after food preparation; before eating; after using the toilet; when hands are visibly dirty; and after handling animals or waste.
- Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid touching your hands, nose and mouth. Do not spit in public.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing. Discard the tissue immediately and clean your hands.
Medical advice
- Avoid close contact with others if you have any symptoms.
- Stay at home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and runny nose, to avoid potential spread of the disease to medical facilities and other people.
- If you develop serious symptoms (fever, cough, difficulty breathing) seek medical care early and contact local health authorities in advance.
- Note any recent contact with others and travel details to provide to authorities who can trace and prevent spread of the disease.
- Stay up to date on COVID-19 developments issued by health authorities and follow their guidance.
Mask and glove usage
- Healthy individuals only need to wear a mask if taking care of a sick person.
- Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
- Masks are effective when used in combination with frequent hand cleaning.
- Do not touch the mask while wearing it. Clean hands if you touch the mask.
- Learn how to properly put on, remove and dispose of masks. Clean hands after disposing of the mask.
- Do not reuse single-use masks.
- Regularly washing bare hands is more effective against catching COVID-19 than wearing rubber gloves.
- The COVID-19 virus can still be picked up on rubber gloves and transmitted by touching your face.
