SC Gov. McMaster loosens all COVID-19 restrictions on boaters

Gov. Henry McMaster on Friday lifted all restrictions he had placed on South Carolina’s boaters in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

With restrictions lifted immediately, boaters may now tether boats together and beach boats.

In late March, as the number of coronavirus cases rose in the state, McMaster restricted public access points to waterways, exempting private docks or ramps. But not long after that, he reopened public access with restrictions. McMaster’s previous emergency order also had prohibited the rafting or beaching of boats onshore, restrictions that also are now lifted.

McMaster’s latest order reversing some of his restrictions comes as state public health officials announced Friday another 238 positive COVID-19 cases, bringing the new statewide total to 7,367.

Of those cases, DHEC said Friday the total death toll has increased to 320.

The governor said Friday that his directive allowing law enforcement to criminally charge anyone who poses a threat to public health or public safety, “down to three or more” people, is still in effect.

On Friday, McMaster also rolled back restrictions on indoor dining, allowing restaurants to begin serving customers inside starting Monday, with restrictions.

This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 4:28 PM with the headline "SC Gov. McMaster loosens all COVID-19 restrictions on boaters."

Maayan Schechter

The State

Maayan Schechter (My-yahn Schek-ter) is the senior editor of The State’s politics and government team. She has covered the S.C. State House and politics for The State since 2017. She grew up in Atlanta, Ga. and graduated from the University of North Carolina-Asheville in 2013. She previously worked at the Aiken Standard and the Greenville News. She has won reporting awards in South Carolina. Support my work with a digital subscription