Coronavirus live updates: Here’s the latest in the Myrtle Beach area on March 21
There are nine confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Horry County as of Saturday evening.
Across South Carolina, the case total now exceeds 170 confirmed cases, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
As the confirmed case numbers rise, officials are urging folks young and old to practice social distancing, limit unnecessary social interactions and to wash your hands.
Here are the latest updates on how the coronavirus is affecting The Grand Strand this weekend
Horry-Georgetown Technical College is postponing spring graduation. More details will be announced at a future date.
Restaurants are closed for in-person dining, but many eateries are offering curb-side pick-up or delivery. The City of Myrtle Beach even loosened signage and tent regulations to help businesses inform customers they are open.
Gov. Henry McMaster tweeted Friday afternoon that large gatherings of more than 10 people are inappropriate at this time. The governor asked local authorities to monitor beaches to break up any parties.
Just because you can’t party on the beach, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go for walks or get outdoors. In fact, DHEC said most outdoor activities that don’t require physical contact are okay and can be a healthy way to pass the time.
Temperatures on Saturday will reach into the mid-70s with a 40 percent chance for rain showers through the day.
Rioz Brazilian Steakhouse is giving out free meals until 2 p.m. for the first 100 customers. Donations will be accepted to help the staff.
Are you a fan of live music? While most concerts are canceled right now some bands are doing Facebook Live shows. Local band City Lights will be playing a virtual show tonight. Also, The Dead Dog Saloon is doing live music on its Facebook page regularly.
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What about church?
For many folks in the South, Sundays are the Lord’s day with-or-without the coronavirus. Churches too are using live streams or drive-ins to keep holding services while not violating recommendations to avoid large crowds.
Check your individual place of worship’s Facebook page or website for specific details on upcoming plans.
The Beach Church will be doing a Facebook Live stream for its Sunday service. In addition there are regular messages of encouragement from the pastors.
Seacoast Church will be doing a noon live stream of its services. Visit www.seacoast.org/athome for more information.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will be holding two drive-in services where congregants will park their cars facing the church and tune-in using the radio.
From Friday evening:
- 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.
What about next week?
Tidelands Health will be holding a blood drive on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tidelands Health Conference Center.
Almost all government meetings are still canceled as officials work out the details of holding remote meetings that are also open to the public.
The City of Myrtle Beach closed its buildings to the public to protect employees but business can still be done online or over the phone. If you have a question for city staff, you can start by calling a 843-918-INFO. The hot-line is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach buildings are also closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to use online services to pay bills or do other business.
Horry County Government has closed its facilities to the public. The internet is the best way to conduct business with the county. If you have questions for county staff call 843-915-5000.
And don’t forget to wash your hands, take care of yourself and others and listen to reputable, trusted sources.
This story was originally published March 21, 2020 at 9:17 AM.
