COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak Readiness Updates

UPDATES FROM MBACC/MBACVB

June 7TH, 2021, 11 A.M.

The health and safety of our residents and visitors are paramount and as such, we want to ensure you are fully informed of the impacts of COVID-19 on our area and the current status of travel. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we’ll continue to post updates on this page and our social channels. In the meantime, stay healthy and stay safe. We can’t wait to see you again at the beach!

Visit MyRtle Beach Responsibly

The safety and well-being of our visitors and residents is always our priority. We continue to encourage visitors to Visit Myrtle Beach Responsibly with video series for websites and social media. While mask mandates have been lifted, we are also encouraging visitors to pack their mask and their patience as businesses are still opening up and hiring seasonal workers. We have also created a flyer for businesses to display in their storefronts to remind our guests to visit responsibly. We encourage you to print this flyer and post it for public view in your business as well. Also, please report suspicious or illegal behavior, businesses, or guests failing to comply with local ordinances or any other problematic behaviors to the MBPD.

We Are open

Restrictions vary by community and type of business, please check with the individual business for the latest information. You’ll find information on the latest orders, social distancing guidelines, and frequently asked questions below.

COVID-19/Coronavirus Information

As of June 2, 2021, there are 229 new cases of coronavirus being investigated in Horry County in the last 14 days.

SC DHEC Note: Reported June 4, 2021, data as of June 2, 2021. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC) has identified 39,381 cases (29,466 confirmed and 9,915 probable) of COVID-19 in Horry County with eight new confirmed cases and nine probable cases reported for June 2 in Horry County. The total number of cases in South Carolina is 593,727 (confirmed 492,046 and probable 101,681).

QUICK LINKS

Emergency Orders & Restrictions

South Carolina Updates

Current executive orders in place by South Carolina Governor McMaster – Read full orders

Horry COUNTY UPDATES

July 3, 2020 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance Read Ordinance 

May 29, 2020 – Update on Horry County Government Services – Horry County Museum and L.W. Paul Living History Farm open. Read More

May 18, 2020 – Update on Horry County Government Services – Horry County Government has reopened its administrative, public safety, and library facilities to the public. Read More

April 28, 2020 – Unincorporated Horry County Short-Term Rentals Allowed to Reopen May 1 – Horry County has announced that they will allow their existing ban on short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of the county to expire on April 30.

April 20, 2020 – Public Beach Access – Per Gov. McMaster’s latest executive order, public beach accesses in the unincorporated areas of Horry County reopened April 21.

Community Updates

City of Myrtle Beach

Emergency Response: Coronavirus Outbreak Page

Accelerate Myrtle Beach Recovery Task Force

April 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance; Issues New Executive Order Read order

March 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance

Feb. 1, 2021- COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance

Jan. 1, 2021 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance

Sept. 4, 2020 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance 

Aug. 10, 2020 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance

July 24, 2020 – Emergency Order 1B – Allowing all businesses in the city to additional temporary signage for the purpose of advertising the operational status of the business – Read order

July 2, 2020 – Face Covering Executive Order – Read Executive Order (ordinance in place until end of January) FAQs about Myrtle Beach’s face mask order

June 26, 2020 – Emergency Executive Order Order #8B: Amendment to Address Maximum Occupancy of Passenger and Service Elevators Read order

June 11, 2020 – COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Extended Read ordinance

May 26, 2020 – City Services Open Read update

May 12, 2020 –  Myrtle Beach Provides Update on City Services Read update

May 11, 2020 – 8B – Amendment to Address Maximum Occupancy of Passenger and Service Elevators Read order

May 4, 2020 - 1A - Restaurants – Emergency Order 1A allowed for additional signage for restaurants during the prohibition on dine-in services. Read order 

May 4, 2020 – 8A - Hotels and Short-Term Rentals – Emergency Order 8A was issued on April 30 and this dealt with the “soft-opening period” for hotels and short-term rentals. Read order 

April 28, 2020 – Public Beach Access – Myrtle Beach City Council voted to reopen beach access for city residents, visitors and guests starting immediately.

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has launched a local campaign to encourage residents to support small businesses as they work to recover from their recent financial losses.

Economic recovery starts at home. Show your love for the beach, and for your friends and neighbors, by shopping, dining and playing locally. Together, we are #GrandStrandStrong.

City of North Myrtle Beach

March 10, 2021 - COVID-19 Protocol Guidelines for Restaurants Read Guidelines

Jan. 27, 2021 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance Read Declaration (extended emergency declaration and mask ordinance for 60 days) On March 10, 2021, North Myrtle Beach updated its Protocol Guidelines for Restaurants. Read more.

Dec. 2, 2020 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance (extended emergency declaration and mask ordinance for 60 days)

Oct. 19, 2020 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance (extended mask ordinance until emergency declaration relating to pandemic is no longer in place)

June 30, 2020 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance Read Ordinance 
FAQs about North Myrtle Beach’s face mask ordinance

Surfside Beach

July 7, 2020 – Face Covering Resolution

April 28, 2020 – Short-Term Rentals – Surfside Beach Town Council voted to not extend their short-term rental restrictions, which will expire on April 30. This means rentals can resume May 1.

Beaches are open. Town Council emphasized the importance of social distancing while enjoying the beach. All town parks are open.

Pawleys Island

April 30, 2020 – Short-Term Rentals – The Town of Pawleys Island approved an order to reopen short-term rentals as of May 8. Read More

Georgetown

July 2, 2020 – Face Covering Emergency Ordinance Read Ordinance 
Additional face mask resources

April 28, 2020 – Short-Term Rentals & Public Beach Access –  No action was taken by Georgetown County Council to extend the ban on short-term rentals (Emergency Ordinance 20-16), which expired on April 30. County beach accesses reopened May 1. Read More

Myrtle Beach International Airport

The Myrtle Beach International Airport and all other airports managed by the Horry County Department of Airports remain open and operational. Horry County Government does not have the authority to make a unilateral decision about the closure of airports. That is under the purview of the Federal Aviation Administration. Airlines can also alter flight schedules. In addition, just like in a hurricane, it is important that the airports remain open for County emergency logistics, including the delivery of supplies.

  • Myrtle Beach International Airport achieves GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation The Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is proud to announce its latest accomplishment in earning GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation from the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC). MYR is just the 8th airport in the world, and the only airport in the Carolinas and Georgia, to achieve this coveted accreditation.

    GBAC STAR™ is the cleaning industry’s only outbreak prevention, response and recovery accreditation for facilities and is the new gold standard for cleanliness. The program is performance-based and designed to help facilities establish a comprehensive system of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention for their staff and their building. The program relies on GBAC’s comprehensive training, which teaches the proper protocols, correct disinfection techniques, and cleaning best practices for biohazard situations like the novel coronavirus. Click here to learn more.

  • Please be advised, as airlines reduce capacity nationwide, some flight changes or cancellations may result. Travelers should check the status of their flight before arriving at the airport. You can find updated arrival and departure information from MYR on their website. Travelers wishing to change or cancel their itinerary should contact their airlines directly. Contact information for all airlines with service at MYR can be found here. Many airlines are offering fee waivers for changes and cancellations. As a reminder, wait times are estimated to be longer than usual due to increased demand. Some itineraries are eligible to be canceled online; refer to your airlines' website for details.

  • The chamber nor the City or Horry County have the authority to close MYR airport or to stop airlines from arriving here. This is a federal FAA mandate to remain open during emergencies.

LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-19

The U.S. Senate voted overnight to pass the CARES Act (COVID-19 Phase III bill) by a vote of 96-0. The bill now heads to the House where Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer have vowed to give their members 24 hours to review the legislation. A vote could happen as early as Friday morning. Highlights include:

  • $377 in loans and loan forgiveness for small travel businesses;

  • $454 billion in federally backed financial assistance for impacted businesses;

    • When you add these two together, it’s nearly $1 trillion in direct business relief;

  • Tax relief for small businesses to navigate these choppy waters;

  • Unprecedented unemployment insurance relief;

  • And yes, some folks will be receiving $1,200 checks from the federal government in as soon as three weeks.

Senate Bill Highlights COVID-19

Q&A ON LEGISLATIVE RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Our state and federal governments are introducing legislation in response to COVID-19. To help you understand the changes being enacted by our legislators, our director of government affairs, Jimmy Gray, breaks them down for you in this update. Topics include:

  • Approval of Governor McMaster’s emergency request for $45 million to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

  • Extension of state tax returns and payment due date.

  • Gov. McMaster’s request for permission for businesses in South Carolina to apply for small business loans.

  • Information about H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

  • Read the Complete Document

Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R.6201) – The bill includes the following points that as a business leader you should know: Unemployment Compensation, Paid Leave, Employer Tax Credits, Self-Employed/Contractor Tax Credits.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

This federal legislation provides relief for small businesses. Here are some resources to help you learn more about the funds available for individuals, families, employers and employees.

Small Business Financial Assistance

  • Restaurant Revitalization Fund SBA is accepting applications for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Apply now.

  • SBA is currently offering PPP loans originated only by participating community financial institutions including Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA Microlenders, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and Minority Depository Institutions (MDIs) until May 31, 2021, or until remaining funds are exhausted. Please note that not all community financial institutions are participating in PPP. Learn more.

  • SBA Launches Supplemental Targeted Advance for Small Businesses Hardest Hit by COVID-19 U.S. Small Business Administration launched a new round of Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) assistance – called Supplemental Targeted Advances that will provide $5 billion in additional assistance to 1 million small businesses and nonprofit organizations that have been most severely affected by the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    For details about the Targeted EIDL Advance and Supplemental Targeted Advance program, visit SBA.gov/eidl.

  • Shuttered Venue Operators Grant – Emergency assistance for eligible venues affected by the COVID pandemic. Administered by U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA added new frequently asked questions, including information about eligibility, application, use of funds, and more.

  • List of 30 grants, loans and programs available for small businesses in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce guide.

  • COVID-19 Emergency Relief Package (December 2020) – What small businesses need to know about the new pandemic relief package - changes to PPP and more.

  • $8.2M Available for COVID-Impacted Operations – Loan proceeds may be used to acquire fixed assets, like buildings and furniture, fixtures, and equipment, as well as inventory, technology, personal protective equipment, and other working capital needs. Funding for the SC Business Loan Fund has been provided from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the CARES Act.

  • Truist-LISC Partnership Small Business Relief Grant - Grants of up to $10,000 each to small business owners, especially in rural communities and to enterprises owned by women and minorities, to help meet their most immediate needs.

  • IRS has released additional guidance regarding the employer eligibility for the ERC.

  • COVID-19 SBA Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources – For additional information, contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center at 1-800-659-2955 or email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

  • FAQs on the Economic Injury and Paycheck Protection loan programs from the SBA South Carolina District Office.

  • So You Received PPP Funds, Now What? SBA Releases Forgiveness Application - Overview of loan forgiveness.

HR Resources

  • Temporary Rule: Paid Leave Under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act –  U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced revisions to regulations that implement the paid sick leave and expanded family and medical leave provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Read the revised rule, which went into effect Sept. 16, 2020.

  • Unemployment Benefits are Taxable – Unemployment benefits must be reported on your federal tax return. A record number of Americans are applying for unemployment compensation due to the COVID-19 outbreak. If you received unemployment benefits, as well as the additional $600 per week in coronavirus relief any time during the year, your tax return may be affected.

  • EEOC Updates COVID-19 Guidance - U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) published an update to its guidance titled “What You Should Know About COVID-19 and the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and Other EEO Laws.” The updated guidance adds new questions and answers adapted from other EEOC technical resources, with a focus on providing employers with guidance on testing, inquiries, and return-to-work issues. View highlights from Nexsen Pruet

  • Wage and Hour Division added three new FAQs to the Families First Coronavirus Response Act: Questions and Answers website. These FAQs (#98 through 100) address the reopening of elementary and secondary schools.

  • U.S. Department of Labor’s PAID Program Helps Workers and Employers as America Reopens – Payroll Audit Independent Determination (PAID) Program continues to provide an avenue to get workers the wages they are owed, bring employers into compliance and accomplish both goals with an efficiency that saves taxpayers money.

  • Determining Your FFCRA Eligibility – Do the requirements and benefits provided for in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) apply to you? This tool will quickly walk you through a handful of options to determine your eligibility as an employee for paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave, or your obligations as an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid expanded family and medical leave.

What to do if a team member tests positive

  • How to report COVID-19
    Report immediately a suspected COVID-19 case by contacting SC DHEC at:

    1. Office: 843-915-8886

    2. Nights/Weekends: 843-915-8845 

  • Offers of Work – To help employers navigate questions as they reengage their workforce, SC DEW has created the Recall Taskforce. In addition to helping employers understand the different federal funding programs available to their workforce and the eligibility requirements of each one, the Recall Taskforce wants businesses who are reopening to know that their employees cannot refuse an offer for work without good cause if they wish to continue to collect unemployment insurance. If you have offered an individual a job and they refused, it is important for you to report the incident to DEW through your Employer Self Service Portal. The Refusal of Job Offer Guide provides screenshots and instructions to help you through the process.

  • Quick Benefit Tips From DOL – How much paid leave can employees take?

  • DOL issued additional guidance regarding eligibility of furloughed employees to receive regular unemployment or enhanced pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) once their employer reopens for business and offers to rehire the employee.

  • IRS has released additional guidance regarding the employer eligibility for the ERC.

  • U.S. Department of Labor Announces Final Rule to Expand Access to Bonuses for American Workers

Tools For Your Business

About COVID-19/Coronavirus

HISTORY OF THE CORONAVIRUS 

The outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, now named COVID-19, began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The outbreak continues to spread from person to person in China, with some person-to-person transmissions reported in other countries, including the United States. Public health authorities learn more every day about this new illness and health threat. 

SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS

Coronavirus infection in humans can result in respiratory illness ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as pneumonia. The symptoms are similar to those caused by other respiratory viruses, such as the flu, and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. 

The virus is spread by direct contact with respiratory droplets that are sneezed or coughed from people who are ill. At this time, there is no specific treatment for the illness. Instead, treatment involves supportive care for symptoms. Efforts are underway to develop a vaccine. 

We are seeing widespread transmission of flu in South Carolina and the United States. The risk for exposure to the flu is high, and the risk of complications and deaths from the flu are a far greater public health threat than COVID-19 in the United States at this time. 

MAPS OF COVID-19 CASES

COVID-19 Testing

  • Visit scdhec.gov/findatest for a testing location near you. DHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn't require insurance, and results are available within 72 hours. If it has been more than 72 hours since you were tested, you can email CustomerService@dhec.sc.gov or call the Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 to inquire about your test results.

  • If you have general questions about COVID-19, DHEC Care Line 855-472-3432 is open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. In the event of an emergency, please call 911.

  • For mental health or substance abuse services related to COVID-19, call SC Hopes support line 24/7 at 1-844-724-6737 (1-844-SC-HOPES). Visit Website

Covid-19 Vaccine Resources

Learn more about COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 VACCINE SCAMS

  • Federal Agencies Warn of Emerging Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines – Federal officials issued a warning for Americans to stay vigilant for possible coronavirus vaccine scams after two separate inoculations began rolling out across the nation. Read Article. The FBI has three hotlines dedicated to reporting scams.

  • Beware of Fraudulent Coronavirus Tests, Vaccines and Treatments – U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that fraudulent products that claim to cure, treat or prevent COVID-19 haven’t been evaluated by the FDA for safety and effectiveness and might be dangerous to you and your family. Read Article

  • Better Business Bureau: COVID-19 vaccine is on the way. So are the scams. Read Article

  • Federal Trade Commission: COVID-19 vaccines are in the pipeline. Scammers won’t be far behind. Read Article

FAST FACTS ABOUT COVID-19

  • DHEC is closely monitoring a rapidly emerging outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19). DHEC is investigating multiple cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in South Carolina.

  • The risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low.

  • Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of race or ethnicity. People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American.

  • Someone who has completed quarantine or has been released from isolation does not pose a risk of infection to other people.

  • You can help stop the spread of the virus by knowing the signs and symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms AND have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or who has recently traveled from an affected area, seek medical advice. For the safety of others, call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.

PRACTICE GOOD HEALTH HYGIENE

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.

  • MBACC Good Health Hygiene Flyer – Tips to stay healthy.

HOTLINES FOR PEOPLE WITH SYMPTOMS

  • DHEC Care Line > 1-855-472-3432
    If you have general questions about COVID-19, the DHEC Care Line is here to help. Staff is answering calls from 8 a.m.-6 p.m. seven days a week. In the event of an emergency, please call 9-1-1. Find more information here.

  • Free COVID-19 Testing – All listed DHEC mobile and popup testing clinics are free. View List of Clinics

  • Several South Carolina health systems are offering telehealth options to the public. These options are available to anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in South Carolina. In order to access the free consult, use the promo code COVID19.

  • Tidelands Health COVID-19 nurse line at 843-652-8800 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 1-866-TIDELANDS, which operates 24 hours a day.

  • Grand Strand Health - COVID Resource Hub and is also offering a Consult-A-Nurse line for any COVID questions, staffed 24/7 by nurses. Call 843-692-4444. 

  • Conway Medical Center - COVID Updates. Also offering a phone line where you can speak with a medical professional for a screening for COVID-19. Call 843-428-8767 Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. to speak with a registered nurse.

  • Doctors Care Anywhere - See a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant within minutes, using your computer, phone or tablet.

  • Resources to Help Cope With Coronavirus – South Carolina Department of Mental Health has gathered some tools and resources to help cope with the stress and anxiety during these uncertain times. SCHOPES, 1-844-SC-HOPES available 24/7

Learn More about COVID-19 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • Are there any Coronavirus / COVID-19 cases in the Myrtle Beach area?

    • As of June 2, 2021, there are 229 new cases of coronavirus being investigated in Horry County in the last 14 days. S.C. DHEC is investigating multiple cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina. We urge you to continue following the recommendations of the federal government, CDC, SCDHEC, and local officials as we navigate this time together.

  •  Why are there flights arriving in Myrtle Beach?

    • The Chamber nor the City or Horry County have the authority to close MYR airport or to stop airlines from arriving here. This is a federal FAA mandate to remain open during emergencies. ​

  • Are the beaches open?

    • Yes, beaches are open for public access and social distancing is encouraged.

  • Is there a shelter in place order in the Myrtle Beach area?

    • No. The shelter in place order has been canceled.

  • Will my hotel offer refunds?

    • As cancellation and refund policies vary by business, you should contact the business you booked with directly for their latest policies and options. Many businesses are reviewing their policies and making them more flexible to accommodate changing travel plans, such as allowing people to rebook later.

  • I booked my reservation through VRBO or Airbnb and they won’t give me a refund. What should I do?

    • If you booked your resort or condo property reservation through a third-party booking engine, including but not limited to Airbnb and VRBO, the cancellation policies for your reservation are determined by the individual owner of that unit, not the third-party booking engine or the resort or condo. It is up to the owner of that unit, not the third-party booking engine or condo/resort, to make considerations for changes to their cancellation policy.  We regret that we are not able to assist with these situations as we aren’t privy to the owner’s information and have no jurisdiction over their business policies.  This applies to the condo/resort property management as well. The third-party booking engine may be able to help you contact the owner for consideration as they maintain those contact details and communications.

  • Are there any closures or event cancellations?

    • Yes, as we’ve seen with national events and schools, most events have been canceled or rescheduled. There are some exceptions, so please check with the individual business or event website for the latest information.

    • Many restaurants are open for dine-in services and offering outdoor dining, take-out, curbside pickup, or delivery services. Restaurants Offering Outdoor Dining & To-Go Meals.

  • COVID-19 and Food Safety FAQ - Is Coronavirus a Concern With Takeout?

    • At this time, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. The FAQs are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Download a Copy of the FAQ

  • My hotel won’t give me a refund for my planned travel. Can the chamber force them to give me a refund? What should I do?

    • Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has no authority to force a business to provide a refund. However, if the business in question is a member of our organization, we will contact them and suggest they offer flexibility during these uncertain times.

  • I heard the City of Myrtle Beach relaxed signage rules because of COVID-19. Does this apply to my business?

    • The City of Myrtle Beach relaxed signage rules for restaurants after the governor prohibited dine-in service. Signage rules for businesses not directly affected by the governor’s order have not changed.