April 12, 2020 – Governor McMaster Extends the State of Emergency
Sunday, Governor Henry McMaster’s office extended the state of emergency declaration.
All measures under the declaration remain in effect including closures of schools, emergency powers for SC DHEC, closure of ‘non-essential’ businesses and the closure of public access to beaches, rivers, piers, boat ramps and docks.
The extension of the state of emergency declaration will last for another 15 days, until April 27.
SCHOOL CLOSURES
In the state of emergency address, the governor has said that, with the recommendation of Superintendent of Education Molly Mitchell Spearman, that students, parents and families should plan for public schools to be closed throughout the month of April.
Schooling is to complete the Spring 2020 semester by delivering, to the extent that is allowed by South Carolina law, virtual and remote learning, by housing only out-of-state or displaced students, and by restricting on-campus services and activities to emergency or other critical personnel designated as essential, or whose presence is otherwise deemed necessary, by the appropriate college or university officials.
PROTECTION OF FIRST RESPONDERS
The governor has said in his state of emergency that any and all 911 operators or other emergency dispatchers are authorized to ask if any individual placing a call for service or a member of their household has either tested positive for COVID-19 or are exhibiting symptoms of the virus. DHEC has also been authorized to provide any necessary supplemental guidance regarding the protection of first responders.