SC governor to end stay at home order as beach hotels open

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s governor will end the state’s stay at home order over the coronavirus next week and allow restaurants to serve people at outdoor tables as long as strict distancing rules are followed. Read the full news release here.

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Gov. Henry McMaster’s announcement Friday came the same day that state parks reopened along with a number of hotels along the coast and beaches that had been closed for over a month.

The stay at home order will end Monday, the same day outdoor dining can resume with strict limits of eight people to a table.

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Restaurant owners said they’re excited to finally start serving sit-down customers again.

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One of their biggest priorities is making sure their staff is ready for that step.

"We’re excited about it,” said Daniel Holmes, Towne Tavern. “Whether or not, we’re ready at 11 o’clock to dine outside. We might stick to take out and deliver for a day or two. We just want to make sure our staff is comfortable and well educated, so we can properly serve the public.”

McMaster promised to keep listening to health officials as he decides what to reopen.