Tourists say they got COVID-19 in Myrtle Beach. States give advice as SC cases spike.
One county health department is warning its residents about vacations after three people tested positive for coronavirus following a recent trip to Myrtle Beach.
Several states are offering guidance on ways for their locals to protect themselves during any travel - including those coming to the Grand Strand.
The health department in Preston County, West Virginia announced that eight people tested positive for COVID-19 after recent trips to Myrtle Beach. Preston County is a rural area near Morgantown and West Virginia University with a total of 22 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Preston County asks anyone taking a vacation to a crowded area to be extra cautious and practice social distancing and to wear a face mask.
“We also strongly recommend if anyone has traveled to a large crowded vacation area to self-monitor/quarantine for 14 days upon return,” the department wrote in the announcement.
The Myrtle Beach area has seen a spike in COVID-19 cases in the last month as hotels, beach accesses and many amenities have reopened. They were all closed through most of April to try and slow the virus’ spread. A majority of Horry County, 1,297 cases have been confirmed in the last month. The county had 454 cases on June 1.
Myrtle Beach and South Carolina health officials urge people to wear a mask and practice social distancing, but have yet to announce plans for any more closures because of the uptick in cases.
The Myrtle Beach area has also been called a coronavirus “hot spot” by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
No states have issued bans or recommendations not to travel to Myrtle Beach. The Sun News reached out to several states that have residents who frequently travel here to see if they are concerned about the growing number of cases in the Grand Strand. No one The Sun News reached from these states voiced specific concerns, but several provided general guidance they tell their residents:
New York
Whether traveling down the road or out of state, all Americans, like all New Yorkers, should follow federal and state guidance on social distancing, isolation and quarantines, and other safety precautions including wearing a mask,” officials from the New York State Department of Health said.
Virginia
COVID-19 is spreading within communities across Virginia and across the United States. Because travel increases your chances of getting infected and spreading COVID-19, staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from getting sick.
VDH advises all Virginians to stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential or if you are at higher risk of serious illness. Do not travel if you are sick and do not travel with someone else who is sick. Do your part to stop the spread by taking everyday steps to keep yourself and others safe and healthy.
Keep at least 6 feet apart between yourself and others. Wear a cloth face covering in public places. Wash your hands often, stay home if you are sick, and disinfect high-touch surfaces. These all are very important ways to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Check out VDH’s Prevention Tips to learn more.Plan ahead to stay safe on your trip.
Pack plenty of hand sanitizer and keep it within reach in case you don’t always have a chance to wash your hands. Bring disposable or extra cloth face coverings in case yours become dirty and you won’t have a chance to do laundry. Bring enough of your medicine to last you for the entire trip. Prepare food and water for your trip. Pack non-perishable food in case restaurants and stores are closed.
Pennsylvania
Throughout this pandemic, the Gov. Tom Wolf Administration has encouraged all Pennsylvania residents to stay home or close to home in order to limit travel and further mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
However, we know many residents may choose to travel during the summer months even as COVID-19 remains a threat in our communities. If individuals are confirmed positive with COVID-19, we ensure that a contact tracing investigation is conducted to alert any potential close contacts.
This story was originally published June 17, 2020 at 12:47 PM.
