South Carolina is the latest state with plans to reopen in the midst of a global pandemic.
The state will be reopening public beaches and retail stores this week. Governor Henry McMaster has lifted the ban on public boat ramps as of last Friday.
Governor McMaster will allow the public to visit beaches, rivers, and lakes as well as opening clothing, jewelry, and furniture stores as of Tuesday, according to Trey Walker, the governor’s chief of staff.
According to The Post and Courier, the stores “will reopen Tuesday after being closed for a little more than two weeks because crowds continued to gather despite repeated warnings to practice social distancing.”
Walker has reported that the number of cases have dropped although South Carolina health officials say they aren’t expecting a peak in cases until the beginning of May.
Although the public will be allowed on beaches, authorities will be charging groups of three people or more because it poses a health threat.
Beach towns including Folly Beach, Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Islands are only allowing access if you’re a resident.
Once the stores are reopened, there will be a limit occupancy of five customers per 1,000 square feet, or a 20 percent occupancy of the retail space.
Grocery stores, hardware stores, and gun stores have remained open during the pandemic.