How local leaders are gearing up for coronavirus outbreak as spring travel heats up
With spring breakers preparing to flock to Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand, officials are taking precautions to ensure both residents and visitors protect themselves from a potential coronavirus outbreak.
As major metro cities continue to confirm cases of the respiratory illness, COVID-19, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is working with hospitality businesses to encourage people to wash their hands and get tested if they begin to experience any symptoms.
“We are prepared to post information on our Visit Myrtle Beach website and social channels, provide regular updates to our visitor call center and welcome centers, and will continue to communicate with our hospitality partners to ensure they have the most up-to-date information to provide their guests,” said Karen Riordan, the President of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
With the virus spreading through direct contact, symptoms are similar to those caused by other respiratory viruses, such as the flu, and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Symptoms may appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed.
While there’s currently no cure to treat the disease, efforts are currently underway to develop a vaccine.
Horry County Assistant Administrator for Public Safety Randy Webster said he is preparing for coronavirus like he would for a hurricane, flood or past medical emergencies: seek expert advice, communicate with state and federal agencies and remain calm.
“It’s routine,” Webster said. “Everyone is saying the same thing: Wash your hands.”
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is coordinating nation-wide responses and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is leading the state’s response. In addition, Horry County is in communication with area hospitals in case someone needs medical service.
While the CDC is currently reporting a minimal risk of the virus spreading throughout the county, cases have already been confirmed in about a dozen states, including North Carolina, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Washington and Texas.
Mayor Brenda Bethune expressed some concern about tourists potentially spreading the disease locally.
“I am somewhat concerned, however we cannot ask visitors not to come here,” she said. “Our businesses rely on our tourism.”
She said the city’s primary goal is to continue to spread the word about health care and virus transmission precautions. So far, the city has reviewed its response plans for such a medical emergency and is prepared to act swiftly for the safety of the public and the city’s staff.
The City of North Myrtle Beach’s public safety department is also prepared with gloves and masks, said city spokesperson Pat Dowling. He said the city has an “internal communication plan” related to the coronavirus, and if the state becomes a focal point for the virus, the city will make decisions as needed.
“Really, at this point, all you can do is review your plans and hope for the best,” Dowling said. “If the virus takes off in South Carolina or the county, then we will be prepared to adjust the travel schedules and travel schedules of others coming into the area.”
Surfside Beach Mayor Bob Hellyer said the town hasn’t put any emergency plan into place just yet, asserting that he doesn’t regard coronovirus different from any other virus that could spread. Hellyer said he plans to speak with town officials to prepare in the event of an outbreak.
Coastal Carolina University issued warnings to students traveling abroad and canceled the remainder of spring trips that had not departed.
Students returning home from a study abroad program are encouraged to “self-isolate” for 14 days if you’re returning from a country facing threats from coronavirus like China or Italy, according to a release sent to students.
Currently, Webster said Horry County is in an awareness stage. Washing your hands and doing your best to avoid touching too much are key in avoiding the virus. No major county events are canceled and there are not any closures planned at this time.
“We are coordinating up and down the ladder and will escalate our response if our risk increases,” Webster said.
This story was originally published March 4, 2020 at 3:45 PM.
