Non-essential businesses closed

On Tuesday, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order, effective at 5 p.m. on April 1, 2020, closing certain non-essential businesses across the state for the next 15 days to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Affected businesses fall into these three categories:

ENTERTAINMENT – 

Bowling alleys, nightclubs, arcades, concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, tourist attractions including museums, race tracks, indoor children play areas (excluding daycares), adult entertainment venues, bingo halls and venues operated by social clubs.

ATHLETIC FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES –

Fitness centers and gyms, spas and public pools, spectator sports, events that require shared sporting equipment and public playground equipment.

CLOSE-CONTACT SERVICE PROVIDERS –

Barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail salons, spas, body art facilities, tattoo parlors, tanning salons and massage therapy.

Please note that businesses such as grocery stores, Walmart, Target and other big box stores are not included in this order.

Business owners who need clarification on whether or not this order applies to them should contact the S.C. Department of Commerce by email at covid19sc@sccommerce.com or by phone at 803-734-2873.

Governor McMaster’s Executive Order EO 2020-15 issued on Saturday, March 28, 2020, extends the ban on indoor dining at South Carolina restaurants through the duration of the State of Emergency which at this time is now April 30, 2020. Curbside, take-out and delivery service is still permitted along with sealed containers of beer and wine for curbside pick-up or to-go.