Gov. Henry McMaster announced Friday (February 26) that he will soon ease COVID-19 restrictions across the state. Local ordinances, however, will remain in place.
Starting Monday (March 1), Gov. McMaster will rescind several executive orders that have been in place to help slow the spread of the virus. One such restriction includes the "last call" order which prohibited alcohol sales after 11 p.m., a move which many restaurant and bar owner have been calling for, WIS News reports.
Another major change will be to rescind capacity limits on gatherings. Currently, an event with more than 250 people has to be approved by the state Department of Commerce, WLTX reports. However, the department still recommends, but does not mandate, the following: large gatherings be limited to 50% capacity of fewer than 250 people; attendees, employees, vendors, etc. wear masks; take steps to allow social distancing and hygiene guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"With the spread of the virus consistently decreasing across the country and more of the most vulnerable South Carolinians being vaccinated every day, I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary," said Gov. McMaster.
Even though he is easing some restrictions across the state, McMaster still warned residents about the danger it poses to the community.
"The virus is still among us and we all must continue to make responsible decisions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, but those decisions are for South Carolinians to make."
Dr. Edward Simmer, director of the state's department of health and environmental control, echoed McMaster's statement, encouraging residents to continue following safety guidelines like masks and social distancing.
"Many South Carolinians have done their part by practicing the prevention measures we know work," he said. "We are here today because of our citizens' careful and ongoing efforts and we thank you for taking care of each other and putting your community and people first. I urge you to continue wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, staying home and away from others if you're sick, and when it's your time, get a safe and effective vaccine. Working together, we will defeat COVID-19."
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