Coronavirus live updates for May 7: The latest in the Myrtle Beach area
The rate has dropped for the number of Horry County residents who have applied for unemployment benefits this week compared to previous weeks during the coronavirus pandemic.
But there are some area businesses that are still laying off their employees, including the latest: Hard Rock Cafe at Myrtle Beach’s Broadway at the Beach.
It’s possible more businesses could reopen by the end of the week in South Carolina, according to Gov. Henry McMaster’s announcement Wednesday.
Here’s the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area May 7.
As of Thursday, there have been 238 coronavirus cases in Horry County since mid-March, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The county has seen 18 deaths due to the virus, DHEC reports. Last week, there were a total of 27 new positive cases reported in Horry County and 5 deaths, compared to 20 new cases the prior week, with no reported deaths, records show.
Cases in Georgetown County have reached 48, with three deaths as of Thursday.
Today’s takeaways:
- Unemployment update for Horry County this week: Fewer area residents seek unemployment benefits as the Myrtle Beach area economy reopens.
- In case you missed it: Grand Strand Regional Medical Center will resume some patient visitation. Here’s the latest.
- Horry County Schools will begin a free meal-delivery service. Here’s what you need to know.
- Brookgreen Gardens has reopened some of its indoor spaces and is operating under new hours - 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily - through May 14. Spots including The Bleifield Gallery, Courtyard Café and the Old Kitchen and Keepsakes Museum Shop are now open. The zoo remains open and closes at 5 p.m. daily. Tickets to visit the gardens may be purchased here.
Wash your hands, stay safe & please donate
Here’s your daily reminder to wash your hands. Health officials say washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose with unwashed hands, health officials recommend.
Lastly, at The Sun News, we feel a significant responsibility to report and share the fullest picture as possible so you can make the best decisions and be knowledgeable about what is happening in your community. Our staff has worked, and continues to work, tirelessly for weeks to keep you and your families informed during this trying time.
However, we’re not immune to the troubles that face our economy.
So far, we’ve been able to keep our reporters and visual journalists working every day here on the Grand Strand, risking their health and safety to gather stories, but that’s not the case for our colleagues in other newsrooms across the country who have faced lay offs, furloughs or salary reductions.
To ensure our newsroom staff doesn’t suffer a similar fate, The Sun News has partnered with the nonprofit Local Media Foundation with the goal of raising $55,000. This will allow our readers and the public to make a tax-deductible donation to preserve local journalism and enable us to continue reporting fully on the coronavirus’ impact on our communities.
Please donate by visiting givebutter.com/myrtlebeachonline.
We know these are difficult times, and if you are unable to make a donation or subscribe to The Sun News, we’ll still be here for as long as we can to provide you with critical information.
We thank you for your support, understanding and for trusting us to deliver you news that has value, integrity and truth.
