COLUMBIA, S.C. – Recognizing the impact of COVID-19’s impact to South Carolina’s economy, Governor Henry McMaster today announced the creation of accelerateSC, a coordinated economic revitalization plan involving small and large business leaders, healthcare professionals, local government officials, and education professionals. 

The plan consists of five components of analysis and effort: Response, Protection, Governance, Resources, and Information. James Burns, a partner at the law firm of Nelson, Mullins, Riley and Scarborough, will serve as accelerateSC’s executive director. Burns and the rest of the membership are serving in a voluntary capacity. For further information about accelerateSC and its members, visit the governor’s website here.

Gov. McMaster and Lt. Governor Pamela Evette will attend and lead the first meeting of accelerateSC on Thursday of this week. Additional details will be announced at a later date.

Re-Opening of Public Beach Access, Limited Retail Stores

Governor McMaster also issued Executive Order 2020-28, which removes restrictions on public access points to the state’s beaches, public piers, docks, and wharfs, while delegating to local officials the authority to restrict access, as they see fit. 

This order also re-opens retail stores that were closed pursuant to Executive Order 2020-18. The businesses to be reopened are as follows:

• Furniture and home-furnishings stores
• Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores 
• Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores 
• Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores
• Sporting goods stores 
• Book, craft, and music stores
• Flea markets
• Florists and flower stores

All other businesses previously closed by executive order will remain closed until further notice. 

Under the order, retail stores may reopen today, Monday, April 20, at 5:00 p.m., but must adhere to strict social distancing requirements, operating at 20% occupancy or five (5) customers per 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. In addition, businesses must not knowingly allow customers to congregate within six feet of one another, excluding families, and follow relevant CDC and DHEC guidelines.  

Public beach access points, piers, docks, and wharfs may reopen tomorrow, April 21, at noon. Public boat ramps and boat landings were previously reopened pursuant to Executive Order 2020-25. 

All other executive orders, including the Governor’s “Home or Work” order, remain in effect. South Carolinians should maintain social distancing practices and avoid large groups of people.