COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) – Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency throughout South Carolina in response to COVID-19.

He is also directing schools in Kershaw and Lancaster counties to close for two weeks, citing the fact that these are the only areas in the state with evidence of community spread of the virus.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) will be directed to consult with the state’s Superintendent of Education and local school district leadership to provide guidance on if and when remaining school districts should decide to close schools and for what period of time.

Additional actions included in the governor’s executive order:

All state government offices shall remain open for operation during their normal business hour

Visitation at state and local correctional facilities in all 46 counties shall be suspended immediately

DHEC shall immediately restrict visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities with the exception of end of life situations

State price gouging laws shall go into effect immediately

The State Emergency Management Plan shall be activated

The number of COVID-19 cases is in the state is now at 13. DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory has conducted 123 tests: 13 positive and 110 negative.