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What’s Open (And What’s Not) in South Carolina Right Now

Now that Gov. Henry McMasters has lifted and altered certain features of his declared state of emergency, it can be difficult to keep straight what exactly is open. Many of the businesses that are closed would go against social distancing ordinances, which are still in place to protect the public. As of May 18, here is a list of what is open, what isn’t, and how you can spend your days, as reported by WISTV.

ALLOWED TO OPEN

Beaches
Boating docks
Parks
Grocery stores with limited capacity (5 people per 1000 sq ft or 20% capacity)
Retail stores and malls with limited capacity (20% capacity)
Restaurants and self-identified bars with limited indoor dining (50% indoor capacity)
Gyms, yoga studios, and fitness boutiques with limited capacity (recommended at 20% capacity)
Barbershops and hair salons
Waxing salons
Threading salons
Nail salons
Spas
Body-art facilities and tattoo services
Tanning salons
Massage therapy establishments
Pools with limited capacity (recommended at 20% capacity)

CLOSED

Schools for 2019-2020 school year
- K-12
- Colleges and universities
- Technical schools
Entertainment venues
Bowling alleys
Night clubs
Arcades
Concert halls
Theaters
Auditoriums
Performing art centers
Tourism attractions
Museums
Indoor child play areas (excluding daycares)
Adult entertainment venues
Bingo halls

The governor’s office the public is still encouraged to minimize contact with others and avoid large public gatherings to prevent the spread of the disease. Additionally, the governor’s office encourages people to “be their own physicians” and not shop at businesses not following guidelines. It is important to follow social distancing measures and adhere to rules that may be in place in individual businesses, as well as continue to frequently wash and sanitize hands and other frequently used items.

Holly Roberts