Myrtle Beach, Horry County conform to ‘work to home’ order to slow coronavirus outbreak
Stay home!
Coronavirus continues to impact the Myrtle Beach area as the county saw a new shelter-in-place order go into effect in the last week. Horry County also hit a somber milestone as it tracks the number of cases inside its border.
The message from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster was clear to start the week, “work or home.” Beginning Tuesday evening, residents were ordered to remain home except for trips for necessary goods, traveling to work, caring for loved ones or recreation.
The hope is the order can help slow the spread of coronavirus and “flatten the curve.”
The governor previously closed various “non-essential” businesses and public access to the oceanfront.
“Everyone should stay home unless they’re working, visiting family or (exercising) outdoors, obtaining necessary goods and services,” McMaster said at a Monday press conference announcing the order. “Those are the limits.”
Cases continue to grow
Coronavirus’ spread shows no signs of slowing down in the Myrtle Beach area as the number of confirmed cases spiked at the end of the week. Friday saw the largest one-day jump in cases, adding 18 to Horry County’s count. There are now 124 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.
There have been seven deaths in Horry County from COVID-19, and the area has one of the highest death rates in the state. Health officials said that is likely due to an older-than-average population that lives in Horry County.
“We hope that if our communities as a whole take the necessary precautions, we can see the number of cases decline,” officials from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said.
There are also an estimated 704 unconfirmed cases in Horry County, which would bring the area’s total cases to 828.
Economic toll
Horry County’s economy continues to slow down as more restrictions started and social distancing continues to be the norm. The Myrtle Beach area has more unemployment claims than any other county in the state.
There were 10,098 initial unemployment claims filed, up from 9,672 the week before, according to data from the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce. South Carolina has seen more than 85,000 initial unemployment claims across the state.
More than $18 million in unemployment payments have already been made across the Palmetto State.
New home construction continues in Horry County — as McMaster deemed construction an essential service — but there are concerns. Horry-Georgetown Home Builders Association Vice President Jason Repak said some loans are harder to obtain. As the outbreak lingers, Repak noted there could be layoffs in the industry.
“We’re definitely starting to see some impact from the regional home developers and tract home developers who are not eager to start the next house until we get a little better idea of what’s going on with the restrictions,” Repak said.
Some businesses and cities have also announced furloughs and layoffs as they face shrinking revenues in a coronavirus environment.
Several events were also canceled or modified as organizers expect to continue social-distancing to last into the summer. Both Harley-Davidson bike week and Atlantic Beach bike week were postponed for months.
‘Job is to stay home’
Residents are also slowing down as more people are staying home after the governor’s mandate.
Myrtle Beach issued two new orders and closures in the wake of the shelter-in-place announcement. Food delivery drivers must wear a mask and the city closed most of the amenities at local parks.
“It’s clear that we all have a job to do and that job is to stay home,” Mayor Brenda Bethune said. “I know it’s a huge inconvenience but the sooner we stay apart the sooner we can all get back together, and I just commend this community for not only the effort to follow all of these safety guidelines and practices, but for the support you’ve given each other and the business community and you have really proven we are Myrtle Beach strong.”
But, that doesn’t mean all outdoor activities are closed. The parks themselves remain open in the city and county. In Horry County, parks are open for public use, including The Bike & Run Park, also known as The Hulk, located near River Oaks Drive in Carolina Forest, and Vereen Memorial Gardens located along the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River.
Officials ask people to observe social distancing while using local parks.
“They offer a good outlet for people in need of some outdoor exercise,” North Myrtle Beach spokesperson Pat Dowling said. “We continue to call for social distancing, and are receiving good cooperation.”
Brookgreen Gardens’ outdoor spaces remain open, golf courses are open to the public and fishing is allowed under the governor’s order.
“Everybody else is hanging on and hanging in there, and we’re working hard to promote social distancing and eliminating touch points to keep the employees and our customers safe,” said Tracy Conner, executive director of the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Owners Association, which represents nearly 80 courses.
COVID-19 has also had a major impact on local religious service. Sunday is Easter for many Christians and churches have turned to drive-thru communion and streaming their services online so people can participate from home.
