ARTICLE
On Friday, May 1, 2020. SC Governor Henry McMaster announced he is lifting the Home-or-Work Order for South Carolinians beginning at 12:01 am on Monday, May 4, 2020. At that time, the order will become voluntary, and the Governor has asked all citizens to continue to practice safe social distancing and follow previous prevention recommendations. Also, restaurants will be allowed to offer outdoor dining services at restaurants beginning Monday, May 4, 2020. The Governor also rescinded two executive orders: • Executive Order 2020-14: individuals traveling to South Carolina from CDC-identified “Hotspots” will no longer require self-quarantine for two weeks. • Executive Order 2020-19: short term rentals, vacation rentals, and other lodging accommodations will be allowed to accept new reservations from individuals traveling from CDC-identified “Hotspots.” For restaurants seeking to begin outdoor service, Governor McMaster released the following guidelines, provided by the SC Restaurant and Lodging Association (SCRLA): • Existing approved outdoor seating areas: • Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table); • Limit table groups to 8 individuals; • Eliminate gatherings in the building when entering or exiting outdoor seating area; • Maintain strict social/physical distancing guidelines; • Sanitize tables, chairs, and seats after every customer • If existing, permitted restaurants utilize open areas and temporary tents, all sides of the tent must be open, and the following conditions are required: • Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table); • Table groups are to be limited to 8 individuals; • State-approved fire extinguisher within 75 feet of tent area; • Minimum of 7-foot-6 inch headroom (ceiling height) These decisions came as SC State Epidemiologist, Linda Bell, stated that the data reveals that the state may have plateaued or “flattened the curve” in terms of the number of new COVID-19 cases.