SC EMD to send out an alert about governor’s coronavirus ‘home or work’ order
Later this afternoon, cell phones are slated to receive an emergency alert from the state saying to stay home if possible.
Between 4:45 and 5 p.m., state emergency officials plan to send out an alert reminding people of Gov. Henry McMaster’s stay home or go to work order, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. today in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The order allows people to leave their house to exercise, visit family or go to buy essential goods.
Just as the S.C. Emergency Management Department did last week when McMaster ordered non-essential businesses to close, the department will send an emergency alert to people’s phones to notify people of the governor’s stay at “home or work” order, officials said.
The previous alert, however, crashed the state website because so many people were going there for more information. Becker said the site is prepared in case there is another surge in traffic.
The governor has also restricted capacity of stores to five people inside per 1,000 square feet — or 20% of posted capacity. Disobeying the order is a misdemeanor and carries 30 days in jail and/or $100 fine for each day of violation.
The plan is for every phone in the state to receive the alert once in a 24-hour period. If people arrive in the state after the alert is pushed out, they will receive the notification as well. The emergency alert is also set to go out on broadcast television, radio and weather alert radios, said Derrec Becker, a spokesman for EMD.
So far, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control has confirmed 2,417 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, and estimates there may be more than 15,000 cases around the state.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 3:25 PM with the headline "SC EMD to send out an alert about governor’s coronavirus ‘home or work’ order."
