Coronavirus updates for March 18: Restaurants close today, schools begin device pickup
Restaurant and government office closings began today on the Grand Strand to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Horry County Government offices are closed to the public starting today. Area municipalities, as well as the county, remain under a state of emergency. Horry County urges the public to handle business online when possible and call specific departments directly for crucial transactions that are not available online.
Myrtle Beach-area restaurants are offering free delivery and curbside pickup as Governor Henry McMaster ordered all dine-in service and bar closures. These restaurants are offering alternative services to dining in during this time.
Here’s are the latest updates on the coronavirus on the Grand Strand on March 18.
One additional coronavirus case was confirmed in Horry County on Wednesday, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, bringing the total in the county to five since the first case was announced on Sunday. There have been no coronavirus deaths in Horry County.
Across South Carolina there are 60 confirmed cases with one death reported as officials work to test more people who may have contracted the virus.
Horry County Schools will begin its digital pickup today so students are able to learn online. HCS released its schedule of pickup times, depending on which school your child attends. Here’s when parents and guardians may pick up those devices.
HCS will continue today offering free meals for students as schools are closed through the month. The grab-and-go style breakfast and lunch meals will be served Monday through Thursday. Students must be present in the vehicle to receive meals, and adult meals will not be provided, HCS said.
Today, Horry County opened up phone lines to help answer questions about the coronavirus and its impacts locally. Residents with questions may call 843-915-5000 to ask a Horry County staff member questions about the coronavirus and how county operations are changing.
Trinity United Methodist Church in Conway said its pastor’s wife tested positive for COVID-19 in a Facebook post Tuesday night. The post had more than 2,000 shares and over 650 comments Wednesday morning.
A prayer was held at noon Wednesday for the family.
Some Horry County residents are stocking up on gun ammo amid fears of the coronavirus.
“It’s honestly been pretty crazy,” a gun shop owner told The Sun News. “I have had people who never thought they would need a gun come in and buy their first firearm.”
With the safety of workers, volunteers and pets a priority, humane shelters throughout the Grand Strand are altering protocols, including adoptions now by appointment only.
Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront remains open for locals to get out of the house or for vacationers in town.
“It’s quiet,” said Diana Bartosik as she walked alone near the waves on Wednesday, not another person within a stone’s throw. “It’s definitely quiet, that’s for sure.”
Wash your hands
Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand sanitizer with an alcohol concentration of 60 percent or greater is also effective.
The CDC warns people to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
President Donald Trump said Monday that people should avoid crowds of 10 people or more.
Do you have questions about the coronavirus? The Sun News will get the answers for you. Go to http://bit.ly/VirusinMyrtleBeach and let us know what you need to know.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 7:50 AM.
