As more businesses in SC slowly begin reopening, we’ve heard from readers with questions + concerns about when life could start getting back to normal. Today, we wanted to check in with you about how you’re feeling – and when you’ll personally feel ready to step back into restaurants, movie theaters, concert venues + more. We’ve created a short poll to collect your feedback, and we’ll share the results in a newsletter next week. And thanks to The Hustle for this article, which provided the original inspiration.
Here’s where we’re at:
- Accelerate SC was created on April 20 by the Governor to develop a coordinated economic revitalization plan. The task force focuses on five areas Response, Protection, Governance, Resources, and Information + has met and helped to make recommendations to restart the SC economy.
- Retail stores that were closed according to Executive Order 2020-18, were allowed to reopen on April 20 with occupancy limited in these businesses to five customers per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail space or 20% occupancy, whichever is less.
- State parks reopened to the public in a limited capacity on May 1.
- Gov. Henry McMaster lifted the “work or home” order on May 4.
- Restaurants were allowed to open for limited capacity patio dining on May 4 and resume indoor dining (limited to 50% capacity) on May 11 with these restrictions.
Check out this infographic from The New York Times detailing South Carolina’s restrictions + reopenings in comparison to the number of daily cases.
Here’s what’s up next:
- Beginning on Monday, May 18, Gov. Henry McMaster announced that close contact businesses can reopen. These businesses include: gyms, barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons and spas, body-art facilities and tattoo services, tanning salons, massage therapy establishments, and pools. The Response component of accelerate SC + SCDHEC have created guidelines for these businesses to follow if they choose to reopen.
- Local high schools in Richland County + Lexington County have announced plans for in-person graduations the first week of June. Graduates will receive two tickets + social distancing guidelines will be in place.
- All state employees + government workers will return to work no later than June 3.
That’s what we’re allowed to do. But what will you actually be comfortable doing as quarantine lifts? We want to hear from you. Take our survey below (now through Tuesday, May 19) to share your thoughts on when it will be safe to do things like eat at restaurants, enjoy an outdoor concert, or travel.
