Coronavirus updates May 22: Myrtle Beach area prepares for holiday weekend in a pandemic
As Myrtle Beach attractions start to reopen after COVID-19 closures in time for the holiday weekend, one of the most prominent plans to reopen.
The SkyWheel will begin rides again Monday with safety and social distancing measures put in place. It has been closed nearly two months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
All attractions were closed by state order during the coronavirus pandemic, but started to reopen on Friday. That includes mini-golf courses, amusement parks and others.
Memorial Day weekend is here and area officials are gearing up for visitors to stream into the Myrtle Beach area. While officially Atlantic Beach bike week is postponed, plenty of activity is expected across the Grand Strand. Here’s a guide to navigating Myrtle Beach roads this weekend.
Follow along here today as we bring you the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area.
Cases of the coronavirus have grown by 35 so far this week in Horry County, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data. There area has had 333 cases of the virus since March and 21 deaths, DHEC reports.
There have been 53 cases of the virus and three deaths in Georgetown County.
Across South Carolina, cases have climbed to more than 9,300 and deaths have reached 416, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways
- Summer camps across Horry County will look different this year. Some local municipalities plan to hold camps, while some are holding off on activities.
Stickers may begin popping up to indicate which Myrtle Beach area businesses pledged to follow public health recommendations designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
- In case you missed it: Coastal Carolina University and Conway Medical Center have teamed up to develop a screening test for COVID-19 infection. It is entering the validation process. CMC would be able to test 28 samples for the virus in less than 90 minutes.
Wash your hands & weekend forecast
Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands often and practice social distancing. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, health officials say. It’s also important to practice social distancing as those guidelines are still in place.
If you’re planning to head out to the beach, the pool or to see the sights this weekend, check out the Myrtle Beach forecast here.
This story was originally published May 22, 2020 at 12:28 PM.
