Easing into a new normal in SC as new COVID cases reported in CC, a death in Horry, NC offers Zip Code data, Loris Council postpones
RVs return to Carrollwoods RV Park Monday, abiding by Columbus County’s extended executive order on short-term lodging and a state Department of Revenue finding that it, and Daddy Joe’s Campground are essential businesses. At Carrollwoods Jacquelyn Carroll said staff are “taking extra precautions for all our guests.” (Jacquelyn Carroll photo)
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
South Carolina’s work-or-home order transitions to a recommendation Monday, as restaurants will be allowed to allow outdoor dining, Gov. Henry McMaster announced Friday.
Meanwhile in Columbus County ten more people have tested positive for COVID-19, North Carolina has begun releasing Zip Code specific coronavirus information, a pandemic death and eight new cases were confirmed for Horry County, and Loris City Council has postponed its meeting for Monday as it transitions to online access.
This post will cover these topics and may be updated:
- Governor eases SC work-home order, allows outdoor restaurant dining
- Ten new coronavirus cases in Columbus
- Zip Code data shows NC COVID data
- Another pandemic death in Horry, eight new cases
- Loris Council postpones May 4 meeting
Governor eases SC work-home order, allows outdoor restaurant dining
Work or home shifts from an executive order to a recommendation across South Carolina on Monday, giving workers much more flexibility in their daily lives, perhaps to enjoy some outdoor restaurant dining, that option also allowed effective Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster said Friday.
McMaster said social distancing guidelines will remain in force, and that restaurants are ordered to follow established by the state’s Restaurant and Lodging Association. Those regulations require distance between tables and has guidelines on safety and sanitation that cover everything from menus to employee safety.
McMaster said data shows the COVID-19 infection curve “flattening,” and that South Carolinians have learned and heeded guidance on keeping six feet of separation between people, where masks, sanitation including hand washing, and more.
Some businesses will remain closed by the governor’s order, including barbers, hair stylists, massage parlors, theaters and more. Decisions on reopening those businesses, McMaster said, “will come in due course.”
Because the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have lifted travel advisories on known COVID-19 hotspots in the northeast and the New Orleans areas, South Carolina’s restrictions on travelers from those areas have been lifted, effective today (Friday,) McMaster.
Travelers from those areas are no longer required to quarantine for 14 days after arriving in South Carolina, McMaster said.
A day of prayer has also been proclaimed by Gov. McMaster for South Carolina, this Sunday.
“It’s time that we pause, we thank God for where we are, for our lives in South Carolina,” McMaster said. “Want to recognize and console those who have lost loved ones.”
Ten new coronavirus cases in Columbus
Another ten residents of Columbus County newly confirmed as infected with COVID-19 brings the county total to 163, the Columbus County Health Department reported Friday.
“Five of the new cases are connected to positive family members, three cases are connected to congregate living facilities in Columbus County, one case is connected to the COVID-19 outbreak at the nearby Smithfield Foods facility, and one case is still under investigation,” a health department news release said.
There were no new deaths reported Friday, the county’s death toll from the coronavirus at ten. An update on recoveries in the county is expected next week.
“With the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths continuing to rise in Columbus County, we are BEGGING the public to take the necessary measures to stop the transmission of COVID-19,” the news release said. “The Columbus County Health Department would like to remind everyone of the recommended measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, which are:
- Social distancing (e.g. avoiding crowds, self-quarantining, no mass gatherings, only going out in public when necessary)
- Wearing a mask or face covering when in public places
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are ill
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw it away, and then wash your hands
- Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
Statewide there are 10,923 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 98 North Carolina counties Friday, up by 414 from Thursday, the NC Department of Health and Human Services reported. There were 399 North Carolina deaths attributed to COVID-19 Friday, 21 more than Thursday; with 547 current hospitalizations, that number down by one from the day before.
Regularly updated information from the Columbus County Health Department is available on its Facebook page here.
Columbus County Health Department’s COVID-19 Call Center is also operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 910-640-6615 ext. 7045 or 7046.
Zip Code data shows NC COVID data
A total of 47 Tabor City area residents have tested positive for COVID-19, no deaths blamed on the disease, Zip Code data released by the DHHS showed.
Most of those cases are likely tied to Tabor Commons Assisted Living, where 38 residents and two staff members have tested positive for the coronavirus, both facility leaders and the DHHS reported.
There have been no positive tests returned in the Clarendon Zip Code. Elsewhere in the county the Whiteville Zip Code reported 44 cases, two deaths; Chadbourn 20 cases and three deaths, Fair Bluff three cases and one death, Nakina four cases and one death, Lake Waccamaw 20 cases and three deaths, Cerro Gordo five cases and no deaths, Evergreen with two cases, Bolton with one.
Another pandemic death in Horry, eight new cases
Horry County has recorded its 16th death resulting from a COVID-19 infection, and eight new cases, South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Friday.
The elderly resident of Horry County who died was one of 12 newly lost to the disease, DHEC reported. Statewide 256 people have died from COVID-19 complications as of Friday.
One of the new cases confirmed in Loris was in the Loris Zip Code, the 18th there. One case has been previously reported in the Green Sea Zip Code, that number unchanged Friday.
Statewide there have been 6,258 positive tests returned for COVID-19 in South Carolina, up by 160 from Thursday.
Loris Council postpones May 4 meeting
Loris City Council will not meet as scheduled Monday, that regular first Monday meeting postponed, the city announced.
“We need additional time to prepare and confirm the security details of our Virtual Meeting due to Executive Session protocol,” city spokeswoman said in an e-mail. “We will release the date for the meeting as soon as the details are finalized.”
That meeting is expected to be limited in physical attendance, with the public invited to view the meeting as it is livestreamed.
Updates
Look for continuing coverage on local impacts from the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak here and in the Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.
