‘This is about safety’: Myrtle Beach police chief clarifies beach changes amid coronavirus
The party’s over, but that doesn’t mean beaches are closed because of the coronavirus threat.
That’s the message Myrtle Beach Police Chief Amy Prock sent in a news release Friday afternoon.
“Our agency has received several messages about large groups and illegal activity on the north end of our beach. To be clear, the beach is not being kept open for economic benefit. Closing it is simply not required at this point, as neither the Governor nor the President has suggested that wide open spaces, such as the beach, be closed to the public,” the release states.
Prock’s message came a couple hours after S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster ordered police to disperse large crowds at state beaches during the state of emergency due to coronavirus.
Both Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head have seen large crowds gather on beaches in recent days despite pleas for social distancing.
“Most of our beach visitors are in compliance. We have increased our patrols on the beach and are working with CCU Police to help educate some of the students. Our officers will be working to ensure that order is followed and our focus is on education and compliance,” Prock’s statement reads. “ However, if individuals do not come into compliance we will follow the Governor’s order and violators are subject to citation or arrest. This is about the safety of the whole community and we hope our responsible citizens and visitors will work with us on this effort.”
Officials in Hilton Head ordered the closure of their beaches.
Prock also noted that public safety is a shared responsibility and that illegal activity on the beach or off will not be tolerated regardless of the fact we’re in the midst of unusual times.
“This health crisis is not an excuse to behave any differently than any other time of the year. There are ordinances in place to prohibit drinking on the beach, parking regulations in place to make sure we are all being good neighbors, and littering ordinances in place to encourage everyone to clean up after themselves,” she said. “ We take pride in our community and are proud of the efforts that we are taking to be part of the solution to this crisis.
“Everyone in our community, visitors included, have a part to play in the safety of Myrtle Beach. Understanding and personal responsibility are the keys to reducing the impacts of COVID-19 and maintaining our beautiful community.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed two additional cases of coronavirus Friday in Horry County. The new cases brings the total number in Horry to eight since the first COVID-19 patient was confirmed Sunday.
Statewide, DHEC announced an additional 45 cases, bringing the total in South Carolina to 124, including one death in Lexington County.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 5:42 PM.
