Myrtle Beach coronavirus updates: Today’s takeaways as you head into the weekend
At least six cases of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, have been confirmed in Horry County, with more than 80 confirmed in South Carolina as of Friday morning.
Conway Medical Center confirmed its first case of the coronavirus Thursday night. McLeod Seacoast in Little River also confirmed its first case Thursday.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus and how it is impacting the Grand Strand.
Horry County’s first case of the coronavirus was confirmed nearly one week ago. There have been no deaths reported in the county due to the virus.
Schools across the state remain closed through the end of the month. Today is the last day for digital device pick up for distance learning through Horry County Schools. Grab-and-go meals are available for students. Here is the schedule for pick-up times.
Grand Strand Regional Medical Center set up its Blu Med tent system Friday. The tents will be used to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Three takeaways for March 20:
- Coastal Carolina University has postponed its on-campus graduation ceremonies.
- Spring breakers partied the day away Thursday on the beach. City of Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune said police will be dispersing crowds on beaches. “There will be more of a presence beyond beach patrol,” she said. “Also, CCU Police will be working with us to patrol the beaches.”
- You asked, we answered. Here is a Q&A based on questions submitted to The Sun News. We welcome more questions at this link: http://bit.ly/VirusinMyrtleBeach.
- Grand Strand Health announced that as of 7 p.m. Friday it will no longer take visitors aside from a handful of exceptions. Patients needing care will be admitted as well as one visitor per laboring mother, one parent/guardian per child patient younger than 18 and visitors for end-of-life situations.
- Conway Medical Center announced Friday that beginning Monday through April 6 it will only perform medically-necessary surgeries. All elective surgeries will be rescheduled. CMC’s Outpatient Diagnostic Center will be open Monday and Tuesday for imaging services, but will be closed from Wednesday through April 6. Scheduled appointments during that time will be rescheduled.
- Dave & Buster’s at Broadway at the Beach will be closed indefinitely. CEO Brian Jenkins said in a news release that all Dave & Buster’s locations will close temporarily and reopen when health officials say it is safe.
It’s Friday, y’all. The National Weather Service in Wilmington says it’s possible Myrtle Beach could reach a record high temperature today.
Getting out of the house for a walk, while practicing social distancing, is an option Saturday, as forecasters are calling for a mostly sunny day. Rain could roll into the area Saturday night. Here is your weekend forecast for Myrtle Beach.
Restaurants and bars in the area are offering free delivery and curbside pick up as S.C. Governor Henry McMaster ordered the closing of dine-in services. Though some businesses remain open, others have closed and area events have been canceled or postponed. Here’s a list of closures.
Wash your hands!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people wash their hands often with soap and water to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
It probably doesn’t recommend allowing your dog to take the car out for a spin to grab groceries, though.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 11:59 AM.
