Coronavirus live updates for April 17: Boat landings reopen in Horry County today
Public boat landings opened at noon today after being temporarily closed to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Dine-in services at restaurants, non-essential businesses and public beach accesses remain closed in the Myrtle Beach area.
Here are live updates on COVID-19 in the Myrtle Beach area.
There have been 22 new coronavirus cases announced this week in Horry County as of noon Friday. This number has decreased from last week’s 70 confirmed cases, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reports. Nine people have died due to the coronavirus in Horry County since the first cases were reported mid March, health officials report.
DHEC predicts there are 1,107 total possible cases of the virus in Horry County. Here’s where to find coronavirus cases by zip code across Horry County and the state.
Georgetown County has at least 34 positive cases and two virus-related deaths, according to DHEC.
In South Carolina, the number of coronavirus cases are nearing 4,000, with 109 deaths, DHEC reports.
Today’s takeaways:
- Horry County Schools suspended its meal program for at least two weeks after employees tested positive for the coronavirus. Here’s how the S.C. Department of Education and local officials are helping.
- ICYMI: DHEC restaurant inspections have become rare on the Grand Strand, according to online records. Here’s the latest and when some of the last inspections were conducted.
- Beginning Monday for Earth Week, Hobcaw Barony will publish life science classes online. Each video - featuring habitats around Hobcaw - will be posted to Hobcaw’s YouTube channel and may also be found on its Facebook page.
Wash your hands & a smile
This is your daily reminder to wash your hands to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Health officials recommend washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Officials also ask folks to practice social distancing.
How are the penguins doing at Myrtle Beach’s Ripley’s Aquarium? Check in to see them here.
Weekend weather
A cold front is forecast to sweep through the Myrtle Beach area Saturday, along with chances of showers through Monday, the National Weather Service in Wilmington said.
Wind gusts could reach 23 mph and there is a chance of thunderstorms Saturday, the NWS reports. High wind gusts are also possible Sunday, with a chance of thunderstorms in the evening, forecasters say.
This story was originally published April 17, 2020 at 12:53 PM.
