McMaster issues targeted mask rule, OKs more reopenings as SC named COVID ‘red zone’
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster ordered that all remaining businesses that closed as the coronavirus started spreading across the state can reopen starting Monday.
But, in a reversal from his previous stance on requiring masks, McMaster ordered that masks must be worn inside those businesses, which include movie theaters, concert venues and spectator sports facilities.
At a press conference Wednesday, McMaster also ordered that previous suggested guidelines for restaurants reopening in the pandemic are now mandatory. Those rules include the wearing of face masks inside and limiting tables to eight people and capacity to 50%.
“These limited restrictions are temporary, they are measured, and they are targeted towards what we know works,” McMaster said in a statement. “These measures give South Carolina the best chance to slow the spread of the virus without shutting down the state’s economy — which we cannot and will not do — as many continue to call for.”
The move comes as more than 1,600 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in South Carolina on Wednesday by the Department of Health and Environmental Control and as the White House coronavirus task force has listed South Carolina as a COVID-19 “red zone.”
McMaster’s push to reopen the state’s economy also runs counter to what the president’s task force has recommended for “red zone” states with 100 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people: to enact further restrictions to curb the virus’ spread across the nation, which is leading the world in cases.
In a report obtained by The State’s sister outlet McClatchyDC, the White House coronavirus task force recommended South Carolina close bars, put in mask mandates in hot spots around the state and limit indoor dining at restaurants to 25% capacity.
McMaster’s order Wednesday reversed the last of his previous orders that closed businesses. McMaster closed down parts of the economy in April and then reopened them back up after a task force he formed issued recommendations for how to reopen different types of businesses safely.
Starting on Monday, masks will have to be worn inside state buildings, at restaurants and at other types of businesses where events are held or people gather en masse, in accordance with the governor’s order.
The reopenings extend to racetracks, concert venues, movie theaters, adult entertainment venues, spectator sports, parks, festivals, and performing arts theaters. However, employees and patrons at those businesses will be required to wear masks and to follow social distancing and personal hygiene procedures.
The latest reopenings will include allowing football games to go on if scheduled in the fall, McMaster said. He added, though, that he had no set idea of how many people would be allowed to attend.
“We want those things to happen,” McMaster said. “It’s a great part of America and South Carolina life.”
The governor’s latest order also limits newly opened businesses to 250 people or 50% of the posted occupancy, whichever is less. Venues can apply for exceptions to the 250-person rule, but organizers of events would have to show they could provide social distancing guidelines.
“If we’re going to reopen businesses, you’re going to have to wear a mask,” McMaster said. “You’re going to have to be more careful.”
McMaster reiterated Wednesday that he would not be re-closing businesses across the state.
“You can’t keep businesses closed forever,” McMaster said. “South Carolina’s business is business. ... We know if people can follow these rules and be safe, we can reopen.”
The move comes a day after McMaster joined a call with other governors and the White House’s COVID-19 task force.
On that call led by Vice President Mike Pence, according to multiple news reports, Dr. Deborah Birx urged a mask mandate.
The Daily Beast reported Birx said that “100% mask mandates played a significant role in containing the virus.”
When asked why he didn’t close bars and go to 25% occupancy in restaurants, McMaster said Wednesday that administration officials including Birx and the vice president have been supportive of the moves made by the state.
“They’ve been very supportive of the steps we’re taking and I’m confident when they learn of these … they will be very supportive of this as well,” McMaster said.
Though McMaster has supported mask ordinances enacted by local governments, he has stopped short of implementing his own statewide mandate, citing personal liberty and what he sees as an inability to enforce them.
As part of McMaster’s mask requirements Wednesday, he mandated that local government officials enforce his executive order. Violating the order could land a resident or a visitor with a misdemeanor, McMaster said.
McMaster also called Wednesday for local municipalities and counties to enact their own mask mandates that fit the needs of the community.
“This is the time for local leadership,” McMaster said.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 4:09 PM with the headline "McMaster issues targeted mask rule, OKs more reopenings as SC named COVID ‘red zone’."
