South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the statewide "work-or-home" order will be lifted Monday and become voluntary.
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McMaster made the announcement at a news conference Friday, WBTV reported. He also said restaurants will be allowed to provide outdoor customer dining service along with existing takeout, curbside and delivery services.
Credit: Meg Kinnard
Credit: Meg Kinnard
"Our goal from the onset of this deadly pandemic has been to protect South Carolinians, but as we all know, the state's economic health is a major component of the state's public health," McMaster said in a statement. "South Carolinians, now more than ever, should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the advice and recommendations from our public health experts."
The following guidelines are in place for restaurants with previously approved outdoor dining service that seek to provide outdoor dining service:
- 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;
- Tables, chairs, and seats should be sanitized after every customer
Existing permitted restaurants with open areas and/or temporary tent setups for outdoor seating must meet the following conditions in addition to the ones mentioned above:
- All sides of the tent must be open;
- 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)
More guidelines are expected to follow, according to a Friday news release.
South Carolina has had at least 6,000 reported cases of the coronavirus so far. There have been 256 deaths, WIS News reported.
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