Coronavirus updates in SC: Beaches, boat ramps shut down in latest executive order from governor

Note: The coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly developing event, and this story contains information that was only updated through March 30, 2020. Some of the information here may have changed because of the breaking nature of the pandemic; updates are reflected in more current stories. For our the latest on the coronavirus outbreak and its impact on South Carolina visit greenvillenews.com or independentmail.com.

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Complete coverage: Everything you need to know about coronavirus in the Upstate

SC beaches, boat ramps shut down in latest executive order

Gov. Henry McMaster signed an executive order Monday to shut down access to public beaches and boat ramps on lakes, rivers and waterways.

The order includes public beach access points, public piers, docks, wharfs, boat ramps and boat landings that provide public access to public waters. Also, beaching or rafting of boats is prohibited. Anchoring to fish is allowed. It does not apply to people with current commercial fishing licenses or permits.

McMaster, in a Twitter post Monday evening, said the order comes after behavior observed over the weekend.

"This is unfortunate for those who chose to responsibly follow the instructions of our public health officials, but a necessary action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus," McMaster said in a Twitter post.

City of Seneca extends building closures

The city of Seneca's public buildings will remain closed through April 15, according to a statement from the city.

City entertainment events will be canceled through April 15, including Jazz on the Alley and Cruzin' on Main.

Essential city services will continue. A decision has not been made about the April 14 city council meeting.

'The Rock' on Lake Keowee closed

Fall Creek Landing #2, known for its access to "the rock," an island popular with swimmers who jump into Lake Keowee, will temporarily close beginning Tuesday morning until further notice, according to the Oconee County Sheriff's Office.

Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw said there were large crowds gathered in the area during the weekend, including many visitors from other states.

"Due to our strong encouragement to practice social distancing and other guidelines issued by the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we believe that it is in the best interest from a public safety standpoint to close Fall Creek Landing #2," Crenshaw said in a prepared statement.

Day use and campground facilities at other county parks — Chau Ram, High Falls and South Cove — are also closed until further notice. The boat ramp access points on Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell maintained by the county are open to boat traffic, but no entry is allowed into the parks.

South Cove and High Falls County Parks will limit boat launching hours to 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. beginning Wednesday. Fishermen who want to fish after 8 p.m. should use the South Cove boat ramp.

City of Greenville moves toward stay-at-home ordinance

The city of Greenville will forge ahead with its own emergency "state-at-home" ordinance. A draft is expected to be published later Monday.

City Council will meet Tuesday to vote on the ordinance, which will require by law people keep a six-foot distance and close "personal services" establishments such as barbershops and nail salons.

Read the full story here.

DHEC reports first COVID-related death in Anderson County, 151 new cases statewide

A 90-year-old man in Anderson County has died from complications related to COVID-19. It's the county's first death reported since the pandemic began, state health officials said Monday afternoon. The total number of deaths across the state is 18.

Robert Williams became ill and went to AnMed Health Medical Center on March 22 where he was first diagnosed with pneumonia. On Friday, Williams' family learned he tested positive for COVID-19, but they're not sure how he contracted the illness. Williams, who had underlying health problems, died Monday morning.

Also on Monday, another death was reported in Beaufort County. That person was also elderly and had underlying health conditions.

There were 151 new cases of COVID-19 reported Monday. The total number of cases statewide is 925 across 41 counties, according to DHE.

On Monday, two new cases were reported in Anderson County and 17 new cases were reported in Greenville County.

DHEC officials late last week said there was a backlog of 1,600 samples that needed to be tested. They expected to release more results as the tests were completed over the weekend.

SC schools estimated to get more than $264 million in coronavirus relief funds

South Carolina K-12 schools and higher-education institutions will likely get more than $264 million from the federal coronavirus relief package, known as the CARES Act, according to the state Department of Education.

The act contains about $30.75 billion for education nationally in the form of an Education Stabilization Fund.

Ryan Brown, a spokesperson for the state education department, said in a statement that South Carolina is estimated to get $216.31 million solely for K-12 schools which will be distributed statewide based on Title I allocations. Additionally, Gov. Henry McMaster will be able to allocate about $48.16 million from the act to K-12 schools and higher education institutions at his discretion.

About $13.95 billion of the $30.75 billion fund will also go to higher education funding nationwide, which South Carolina will also receive a portion of, Brown said.

"We do not yet know how much each district will receive," Brown said in the statement. "We hope to have that information out in the near future."

Rep. Joe Cunningham calls on SC governor to issue stay-at-home order

U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, a Democrat from Charleston, called on Gov. Henry McMaster to issue a stay-at-home order for the state.

Cunningham, who said last week he has COVID-19, posted a message on Twitter saying towns have been forced weigh public health or costly legal action. The Attorney General's Office last week issued an opinion stating on the governor could issue a stay-at-home order, not individual cities and towns.

McMaster has said South Carolina residents have been complying with orders so far, and voluntarily practicing social distancing.

Local school photographers offer at-home portraits

Images Inc., a school photography business based in Travelers Rest, is offering to take student and family portraits on clients' front porches.

Owner Dave McMeekin said that this time of year, his photographers would usually be busy going from school to school in the Upstate to shoot spring portraits for students. But with schools closed and children learning from home, business dried up quickly.

"We went from thriving to nothing," he said.

McMeekin said he started offering the at-home portraits Monday as a way soften the blow to his business.

The service will be offered primarily in the Greenville and Travelers Rest area, he said, and photographers will remain outside the residence and six feet away from clients.

Greenville County Schools experiencing phone outages

A heads up to any parents who might be needing to get in contact with Greenville County Schools – the GCS phone system is experiencing intermittent outages, according to district spokesperson Tim Waller.

In a release, the district said calls to the service center are getting an "all lines are busy" message or no message at all. School phones are also in and out of service, according to Waller.

Spartanburg Regional says several employees have tested positive for coronavirus

Spartanburg Regional says it is aware of several healthcare clinicians across the system who have tested positive for COVID-19, according to a release from the health system.

The hospital system worked quickly to examine employee's work schedules and notify patients or fellow employees who might've been in close contact, the release said.

"Federal privacy laws prohibit Spartanburg Regional from disclosing information about an individual patient, including healthcare workers," the release said. "Spartanburg Regional is adhering to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control criteria for isolation and testing, both in caring for our patients and in meeting the health needs of our staff."

Here's what to know Monday morning