Myrtle Beach approves face-covering ordinance as COVID-19 cases soar

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — The Myrtle Beach City Council unanimously voted Thursday afternoon to require residents and visitors to wear face coverings in public, WPDE reported.

The decision comes as the city prepares for thousands of tourists flock to the area for the Fourth of July holiday.

Rules include:

• All customers are required to wear face coverings while inside the enclosed area of any retail establishment or food service establishment.
• All customers are required to wear face coverings while inside the enclosed common areas of any overnight accommodations establishments.
• All retail food service and overnight accommodations establishments shall require staff to wear, and those staff shall wear, face coverings while working in areas open to the general public and areas in which interactions with other staff are likely in which social distancing of at least six feet cannot be observed.

The rule will go into effect on July 2, 2020, at 11:59 p.m. and shall remain in effect for 60 days, or until rescinded, or until the expiration of the Declaration of Civil Emergency, whichever is first.

[100 teens from DC-area test positive for COVID-19 after Myrtle Beach trip]

Read the draft ordinance here.

“While we’re pleased that so many have visited our destination since reopening, it is apparent that not everyone has taken the necessary precautions to protect themselves or others. To be clear, destinations don’t spread viruses, people do,” said Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach. “We are open and have welcomed thousands of visitors who have had enjoyable, healthy and safe vacations in our destination, but it is essential that we remain diligent. No matter where you are in the Grand Strand, it is important that visitors and locals wear a mask when in public spaces and continue to practice social distancing. It takes each one of us to limit the spread of this virus to ensure we can live, work and vacation together in the future.”

Currently, Horry County, which includes municipalities within destination, including the city of Myrtle Beach, accounts for 9.4% of positive cases statewide as of June 30.

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