Coronavirus live updates: Here are the latest Myrtle Beach area updates from March 15
The spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19, has led to emergency measures across South Carolina and Horry County, which announced its first case Sunday.
Here’s a rundown of how the virus is affecting events and operations as of Sunday. The situation could change, so check back for updates throughout the day.
Also, help protect your fellow citizens and wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds.
First Horry County cases
▪ Health official confirmed the first case of the coronavirus in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Saturday night.
Grand Strand Medical Center provided a statement on Sunday morning confirming that the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control informed the facility that a patient tested positive for COVID-19.
“The patient is in isolation. We have been working with SCDHEC to identify and contact colleagues who may have been in contact with the patient,” according to the statement.
Before the patient tested positive, Grand Strand had already started to screen all people who enter the hospital. No one older than 69 or under 18 years old can visit.
“We will continue to reinforce infection prevention protocols and are working in partnership with SCDHEC and local and state agencies,” Grand Strand officials noted.
▪ SCDHEC confirmed there’s three coronavirus cases in Horry County as of Sunday afternoon.
Two are from commercial labs.
“Two new cases are from Horry County. The cases are elderly individuals who had known exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19 from another state. The cases are currently isolated at home,” DHEC stated in a news release.
The third is from DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory.
“One new case is from Horry County and is an elderly individual. Investigation is underway and further details are not currently available,” the release states.
CMC, Tidelands clear
- Conway Medical Center has had no positive cases of coronavirus as of early Sunday afternoon, according to the hospital’s media relations strategist, Allyson Floyd.
- Tidelands Health has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, spokeswoman Dawn Bryant said.
School’s out
Horry County Schools are set to close as coronavirus continues to spread in South Carolina.
Gov. Henry McMaster will make the announcement to close all South Carolina schools, including the district that covers Myrtle Beach, on Sunday, according to the Associated Press. Schools will close for two weeks and food centers will be set up to help students who depend on meals from schools, according to the Associated Press.
Declarations
▪ With the news of the area’s first confirmed case of coronavirus, Myrtle Beach officials have declared a state of emergency.
The announcement comes just one day after officials issued public assurance the city would continue to operate as normal and welcome tourists in to enjoy their vacations, despite both the state, Horry County and surrounding towns declaring state of emergencies.
“We are at OPCON 2,” City Spokesperson Mark Kruea said.
Currently, all public buildings will remain open to employees only, but that’s subject to change this week, Kruea said.
▪ North Myrtle Beach announced Sunday that it will declare a state of emergency during its regularly-scheduled city council meeting Monday at 7 p.m. The city stated all parks as of Sunday evening all parks, recreation centers and the aquatic and fitness center were still open, and noted that all city services are still in effect.
Horry County Government
Horry County’s Government and Justice Center will be limiting access to public facilities starting Monday morning. While county government will continue functioning, all public meetings are canceled this week. Anyone with business with the county is encouraged to do it online.
The court system is canceling the magistrate and circuit court proceedings. Anyone scheduled for jury duty does not need to report this week.
The Parks and Recreation department is canceling all after-school care offerings. For now, youth sports are underway, but that could change soon, Horry County Spokesperson Kelly Moore said.
911 changes
Georgetown County Sheriff Carter Weaver announced Sunday afternoon that anyone who calls 911 will be asked if they’ve traveled internationally or have come in contact with anyone who’s traveled internationally in the past three weeks.
The practice, in which dispatchers will ask about domestic travel as well, will go on for an unspecified amount of time, Weaver announced in the press release.
“Your assistance in answering accurately will aid personnel in responding safely to your situation,” the release states.
The agency will also enact further changes to interaction with the public, such as deputies asking residents to step outside of their home when responding to a call. This will not apply in emergency situations, Weaver added.
The release states that current inmates at Georgetown County Detention Center are being screened for coronavirus. Additionally, the sheriff’s urging all agencies that serve Georgetown County to use good judgment and discretion when deciding on whether to write tickets or arrest offenders depending on the severity of the crime.
On or off?
- SkyWheel Myrtle Beach announced a temporary closure Sunday out of precaution and in order to do a thorough cleaning. “As always, our top priority at SkyWheel is safety! Not only for our guests, but our crew as well. With the influx of season and visitors we are receiving on a day to day basis, we have made the decision that we will be closing starting today for the next 48-hours. During this shutdown our plans are to conduct an in-depth cleaning and disinfecting of our entire venue, as well as all 42 gondolas and offices. After the cleaning is over, and our Management crew has assessed our business, as well our local community, we will announce our re-opening date,” the business stated in a Facebook post.
- St. Frances Animal Center in Georgetown has closed its facility to non-essential visitors, according to a Facebook post. “If you have lost your pet, please call first or Facebook messenger a picture so we can confirm if your pet is here. We will still be open for intakes, reclaims and serious adoption inquiries. We will continue to monitor the situation as it develops,” the post states.
- Help 4 Kids has canceled its food drives in response to the virus. Barb’s volunteers, however, will continue to deliver bags of food to kids in their neighborhoods. Anyone wanting to donate food for the cause can do it at 2523 Forestbrook Road or through the organization’s website, Help4Kidssc.org.
- Good Day Cafe, located at 819 Main Street in Myrtle Beach, on Monday will begin offering free meals to the most at-risk of COVID-19. “If you know any elderly or immune/health comprised individuals, please feel free to DM us on Instagram, Facebook or give us a call at 843-448-4663 Please be safe everyone, wash your hands, and we are in this together,” a Facebook post reads.
One of Myrtle Beach’s largest car and truck shows will be postponed after the city declared a state of emergency Sunday due to several cases of coronavirus in Horry County. The 32nd annual Run to the Sun hosted by the Pee Dee Streetrodders is postponed to a later date, according to a post from the City of Myrtle Beach. The show was previously scheduled for March 19-21. Vintage cars and trucks typically gather yearly at the former Myrtle Square Mall lot. Event organizers have not announced new dates for the annual car show.
This story was originally published March 15, 2020 at 11:49 AM.
