Coronavirus live updates May 19: The latest in the Myrtle Beach area
Tourist season is in full swing now as the Grand Strand is experiencing a wave of business reopenings in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
This week, salons, pools, tattoo services and other close-contact businesses have been allowed to reopen with restrictions in place. The wave of reopenings follows restaurants resuming dine-in services, also with restrictions.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area May 19.
Cases of the coronavirus have reached 299 since mid-March in Horry County, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The county has had 19 virus-related deaths.
DHEC reports 52 COVID-19 cases and three deaths in Georgetown County.
Across South Carolina, health officials say there have been more than 8,900 confirmed cases of the virus and 391 deaths.
Today’s takeaways:
- DHEC is partnering with Tidelands Health to bring free, widespread COVID-19 testing to Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties.
Planned salary increases for Horry County Schools teachers and staff appear to be on hold due to financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s the latest from Monday’s school board meeting.
Conway’s annual Riverfest Festival is canceled this year. But city leaders appropriated the festival funding to create a Fourth of July fireworks show and a local business marketing campaign.
Wash your hands
Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands and practice social distancing. Health officials recommend washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Social distancing guidelines are still recommended, health officials say.
