Coronavirus updates May 1: Hotels, beaches, state parks open along the Grand Strand
As the Justin Timberlake meme’s would say: It’s gonna be May. And we finally made it.
As of May 1, South Carolina State Parks and most hotels along the Grand Strand are officially open to the public following a three-week shutdown caused by the coronavirus. While Myrtle Beach implemented certain guidelines for lodging services to follow over the next two weeks, Pawleys Island will allow hotels and short-term rentals to reopen on May 8.
Horry County, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Georgetown County hotels and short-term rentals are open with no restrictions. However, those from the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut with existing reservations should contact their hotel prior to traveling.
Current state orders restrict hotels or short-term rentals from welcoming travelers from those areas that have seen a high volume of coronavirus cases. Orders also require travelers from those areas to self-quarantine for two weeks upon arriving in South Carolina.
Travelers from other states are allowed in South Carolina’s hotels, campground and other short-term rentals even if the Center for Disease Control and Prevention strongly encourages you to only travel when necessary.
Here’s the latest on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area April 30.
There have been a total of 16 new coronavirus cases announced this week in Horry County, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Last week, there were 20 new cases announced. Grand Strand doctors said this week that the number of cases has plateaued in the area.
As of Friday morning, the number of coronavirus cases has reached 215, with 15 deaths in Horry County, according to DHEC.
There are 43 cases in Georgetown County, with three deaths, DHEC reports.
Cases across South Carolina have reached 6,095 and there have been 244 deaths, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways:
The iconic Springmaid Pier is set to reopen June 1 after facing severe damage from Hurricane Matthew in 2016.
Spring sports seasons in the City of Myrtle Beach have been canceled due to the coronavirus. Here’s the latest.
Evidence and personal testimony suggests the coronavirus could have been in the Myrtle Beach area more than six weeks prior to Horry County’s first positive COVID-19 test.
While state orders currently restrict hotels and short-term rentals from welcoming travelers from those areas that have seen a high volume of coronavirus cases, like New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, those orders could soon be lifted.
Wash your hands & stay safe this weekend
Following a rainy week, the Myrtle Beach area will see a beautiful, sunny and clear weekend. Friday will see a high of 70 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, but later reach the mid-80s by Sunday afternoon.
Due to the nice weather and influx of tourists visiting the area, it’s imperative to continue following all CDC guidelines regarding hygiene, sanitation and social distancing. Residents and tourists should limit their social interactions, wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and do whatever they can do to keep the coronavirus from spreading.
