coronavirus updates

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded in South Carolina

As of Wednesday, March 31st, any South Carolinian aged 16 and older is eligible to schedule and receive their COVID-19 vaccine, marking South Carolina’s move to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

In an effort to get as many individuals vaccinated as possible, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the decision to skip Phase 1C, which would have only included individuals aged 45 and older, and opened up the vaccine eligibility to include more people.

In a statement on the decision to open vaccine eligibility, DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said, “We started by making vaccines available to those who were most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19; the elderly, those with high risk of exposure at work, and those with medical conditions that worsen the effects of COVID-19…we are now able to offer three very safe and effective vaccines to all South Carolina residents over the age of 16 – another step on our path to take control of COVID-19 instead of it controlling us and getting back to normal.”

Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccination center near you and schedule your vaccine.

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Columbia Extends Mask Mandate, May Increase Fines

The Columbia City Council voted to extend their mask ordinance within city limits for another two months. The mask ordinance will now end on April 4th – unless the council votes to extend it again.

The Columbia City Council is also considering strengthening the consequences of individuals who do not comply with the ordinance.

During the weekend of January 23rd, over 100 citations were issued to individuals who were not wearing a face mask. Those citations carry a fine of $100, a fee that may be increased in the near future.

According to the ordinance, “…Face coverings which cover the nose and mouth shall be required in all public places within the City. All persons entering a commercial establishment in the City must wear a face covering while inside the establishment. A face covering must also be worn in situations where distances between people change frequently such as a busy sidewalk, waiting area, or popular outdoor area where it is impractical or impossible to maintain six feet of distance at all times…”

A decision on whether or not to increase the fine for not wearing a mask is set to be made during the next council meeting on February 16.

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McMaster Lifts 50% Occupancy Limit and Other COVID Restrictions

A new executive order issued by Governor Henry McMaster has lifted many COVID-19 restrictions. Most notably, restaurants are now able to operate at full capacity.

On the decision to open up the state, Governor McMaster said, “South Carolina is open for business. Our state’s approach has been a measured, deliberate, and targeted one – aimed at keeping our economy open and our people safe.”

While not required, there are a variety of strongly recommended safety measures that restaurants should abide by in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Some of these safety measures include spacing tables and customers six feet apart and limiting the seating at tables to no more than eight people. In addition, officials recommend staff and patrons continue to wear masks when possible.

Even though restaurants can operate at full capacity, the “last call order” requiring the sale and/or consumption of alcohol to halt at 11:00 pm is still in effect.

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When and Where You Need a Mask in SC

Some states have mandated masks to be worn in all public places, but SC Governor Henry McMaster has left this decision to each individual city. As COVID-19 cases surge in SC, face mask protection is becoming more and more necessary. Here’s the 411 on when and where you need a mask in South Carolina.

In Beauford, Charleston, Clemson, Hilton Head, and Columbia, masks are required in restaurants, retail stores, grocery stores, and pharmacies. Sullivan’s Island is the first SC city to enforce masks to be worn in any and all public areas. Don’t see your city here? Read up about the local ordinances in places.

What happens if you choose to forgo wearing face protection? You risk receiving a $25 to $100 fine in some cities. Rules depending on whether the ticket goes toward a business or an individual also plays a role. As these new regulations roll out, it’s important to stay up to date on new information. For a comprehensive list of cities and when they being enforcing, visit the Post and Courier.

Do your due diligence and educate yourself on the rules and regulations within your city. With cases rising to total 44,000+ after the Fourth of July weekend, it’s likely we haven’t seen the last of face mask enforcement out of concerns for public safety.

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Gov. McMaster Announces Restaurant Saftey Initiative

Governor Henry McMaster announced a restaurant safety initiative known as the Palmetto Priority Pledge last Tuesday. During a Livestream on Facebook, McMaster broke down the details of what this means for restaurants in SC.

“Palmetto Priority is a formal commitment made by South Carolina restaurateurs to provide a clean and safe environment for their staff and customers to demonstrate real precautions that they are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the official website states.

At a glance, this agreement is to be signed by restaurants that pledge to commit to the necessary safety requirements. It’s to include sanitation guidelines, reopening instructions, and participation in several online education modules. If a restaurant completes these actions, they join the master list of safe establishments. Community members can view the directory and for a comprehensive list of which establishments are following the necessary protocol.

In an attempt to keep SC safe, this pledge is a means of spreading safety and information. Next time you decide to dine out, visit Palmetto Priority to assure that your safety is being made a priority.