Coronavirus updates May 23: Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach starts slow, may ramp up
Memorial Day weekend in Myrtle Beach got off to an unfamiliar start Friday night.
The roar of sport bikes wasn’t nearly as loud as fewer bikers trekked to the area for Atlantic Beach Bikefest, which has been officially rescheduled for Labor Day weekend due to the coronavirus.
Still, there were signs pointing to a busy weekend as heavy traffic was seen heading into town.
Officials are expecting a 75 to 100 percent occupancy rate for the holiday weekend, which could be a strong indicator on the virus’ status here in the coming weeks after Horry County had its highest one-day number of cases reported Friday.
Follow along here today as we bring you the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area.
Cases of the coronavirus reached 359 in the Myrtle Beach area as of Friday afternoon, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Horry County’s cases increased by 26 since Thursday’s update. There have been 21 deaths since March, DHEC reports.
This week, there have been 61 COVID-19 cases announced in Horry County. There were 39 newly announced cases last week in the county.
Across South Carolina, cases have climbed to 9,638 and deaths have reached 419, according to DHEC. South Carolina has a recovery rate of 85 percent, according to DHEC data.
Today’s takeaways
- Myrtle Waves water park opened Saturday in Myrtle Beach, with its sister park, Wild Water & Wheels, set to open next Saturday. Other attractions have the go-ahead to open and others, such as the SkyWheel (Monday) and Family Kingdom (June 1), have already announced reopening dates.
If you’re planning to be out and about in Myrtle Beach this weekend, here’s your guide to traveling around the city.
- 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.
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.
