At a Friday afternoon press conference, SC Gov. Henry McMaster has lifted the Home or Work order for South Carolina, saying that it will end on Monday, May 4th, and will be voluntary. The governor also said that people should still stay at home as much as possible.
In addition, the governor announced on May 4th that restaurants throughout the Palmetto State may provide outdoor dining service in addition to their existing take out, curbside and delivery options. Restaurants must follow protocols if they open for outdoor dining.
McMaster also said that they are thinking about lifting restrictions on gyms, hair salons and nail salons and wants to lift them as early as possible, as long as it is safe to do so.
On Monday, McMaster extended the state’s existing state of emergency for 15 days with a new executive order that also extended the Home or Work order he issued in April. By law, the governor can declare a state of emergency for only 15 days at a time.
Although the Home or Work order will be lifted effective Monday, May 4th, the State of Emergency is still in full effect.
The states travel restrictions have also been lifted. The governor said the duration of the state of emergency could change at any time depending on the circumstances revolving around the coronavirus.
The governor also announced that he has lifted Executive Order 2020-19 because CDC guidance identifying “hotspots” throughout the country, which constituted the basis upon which short term rental companies were to deny reservations, has since lapsed and was not renewed. The governor has also lifted Executive Order 2020-14, which required individuals entering the state from the same “hotspots” to self-quarantine for two weeks.
As of Thursday afternoon, South Carolina reported 6,095 COVID-19 cases and 244 deaths.
If cases go back up, McMaster said they could reinstate the Home or Work order all over again.
“Our goal from the onset of this deadly pandemic has been to protect South Carolinians, but as we all know, the state’s economic health is a major component of the state’s public health,” McMaster said. “South Carolinians, now more than ever, should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the advice and recommendations from our public health experts.”
“This virus will continue to spread and still presents a very real and serious threat to our people, but I believe in South Carolinians and their ability to act wisely and safely,” the governor continued.
“We are a strong, resilient, and compassionate people who care for one another and will act in the best interest of our state as a whole.”
Restaurant Protocol
Restaurant protocol provided by State Rep. Shannon Erickson.
Based on advice and recommendations from DHEC and the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, Governor McMaster has established the following guidelines for restaurants to follow if they choose to open for outdoor seating.
Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table)
Limit table groups to 8 individuals;
Eliminate gatherings in the building when entering or exiting outdoor seating area;
Maintain strict social/physical distancing guidelines;
Tables, chairs, and seats should be sanitized after every customer
If open areas and/or temporary tents are utilized by existing, permitted restaurants, all sides of the tent must be open and the following conditions are required:
Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table);
Table groups are to be limited to 8 individuals;
State approved fire extinguisher within 75 feet of tent area;
Minimum of 7-foot-6 inch head room (ceiling height)
