Coronavirus live updates April 7: ‘Home or work,’ new Myrtle Beach orders begin
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order telling residents to stay home, unless they are at work or out for essential needs, takes effect at 5 p.m. tonight. The order is in effect as long as South Carolina is under a state of emergency.
The City of Myrtle Beach closed additional facilities following the governor’s order, including two off-leash dog parks, Doug Shaw Memorial Stadium and tennis courts.
In addition, City Manager John Pedersen issued two executive orders. The first orders employees engaged in all types of delivery service wear a face mask or similar preventative gear and use hand sanitizer prior to making a delivery to any home or business within city limits. The second requires all public transportation drivers to keep a distance of 6 feet from any passenger. If vehicles do not accommodate a 6-foot separation, drivers must wear face masks or similar preventative gear and should instruct passengers to sit as far away as possible.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus along the Grand Strand on April 7.
The number of coronavirus cases have reached 91 in Horry County, but it’s possible the county could have more than 500 cases, officials say. There have been six deaths due to the virus in Horry County, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
There are 22 reported cases in Georgetown County and one virus-related death, according to DHEC.
South Carolina’s cases have reached at least 2,417, with 51 deaths across the state, DHEC reports.
Today’s takeaways:
- Atlantic Beach Bikefest is postponed to Labor Day weekend due to the coronavirus. The annual rally was originally scheduled for May 22-25.
- The Murrells Inlet Marshwalk and Veterans Pier are closed until further notice to help prevent the spread of the virus, Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said Monday night.
- Horry County Schools plans to provide its students with school buses equipped with WiFi that will be parked across the county so students can continue distance learning. Here’s the latest.
In Surfside Beach, officials have canceled the Surfside Beach Pet Fair, Easter Egg Hunt and the Easter Sunrise Service on the Beach.
Wash your hands & a smile
Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Health officials also encourage folks to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19.
Need a break? Take a look at these penguins hopping around at Ripley’s Aquarium: https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/myrtlebeach/live-penguin-camera/
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 11:55 AM.
