SC Senate Republican Caucus

2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Action Report

Page Updated: 4/20/2020 as of 6:00 p.m.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as pneumonia, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), and Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 was originally thought to have spread from animal to person, but person-to-person spread is now occurring.

Outbreaks of novel virus infections are public health concerns. The risk of COVID-19 infections in South Carolina depends on multiple factors, including the likelihood of travelers from affected areas, how easily the virus may spread from person to person and the effectiveness of measures to prevent community spread.

On March 17, 2020, the South Carolina State Senate unanimously voted to authorize a $45 million supplemental funding package for SCDHEC to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. The package would provide flexibility for SCDHEC to move assets where needed most and provides oversight and reporting of expenditures to the State’s Executive Budget Office. The package was ordered for a third reading on March 18, 2020 and was sent  sent to the State House of Representatives for further consideration. On March 19, 2020, the South Carolina House of Representatives concurred with the Senate’s funding package. Governor McMaster signed the bill into law on the same day permitting DHEC to draw funds from the account. DHEC requests included in the supplemental funding package include the following:

  • Staffing ($14,598,760): DHEC needs additional staffing to support COVID-19 disease surveillance and contact investigation, laboratory testing, and information phone lines.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ($14,806,800): PPE for DHEC’s healthcare workers to prevent spread of infection.
  • Staff Support ($5,282,420): Operating costs such as technology, lab supplies and reagents, travel, and facility cleaning.
  • Education Campaign ($2,500,000): Support for TV/Radio airtime and printed materials.
  • Quarantine ($1,703,580): Cost to quarantine and support indigent patients.
  • Transportation ($1,394,958): Cost to courier lab samples and distribution of items from the Strategic National Stockpile.
  • Contingency ($5,000,000): We have built in about 10% for unanticipated costs or changing assumptions based on disease spread.

RECENT TIMELINE: 

  • APRIL 20, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-28 to safely, strategically, and incrementally reopen businesses classified as retail stores effective Wednesday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. Examples of retail business re-openings would  include:
    • (a) Furniture and home-furnishings stores (b) Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores (c) Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (d) Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores (e) Sporting goods stores (f) Book, craft, and music stores (g) Flea markets (h) Florists and flower stores.
    • As a condition of re-opening, the business shall limit the number of customers allowed to enter and simultaneously occupy the premises so as not to exceed five (5) customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space, or twenty percent (20%) of the occupancy limit as determined by the fire marshal, whichever is less. The business shall not knowingly allow customers, patrons, or other guests to congregate within six (6) feet of one another, exclusive of family units. Additionally, the business shall implement all reasonable steps to comply with any applicable sanitation guidelines promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health officials.
    • If a business has a question as to whether it should close in view of the Governor’s Order, the business should complete the Essential Business Clarification form located on the South Carolina Department of Commerce website here. Questions can also be sent to covid19sc@sccommerce.com, or business representatives can call 803-734-2873. A team from South Carolina Department of Commerce will review the business’s request for clarification, and the business will receive a response with their determination, essential or non-essential, within 24 hours. If a business is not explicitly addressed in the governor’s executive order, the business should continue normal operations until a determination is made.
  • APRIL 13, 2020 – SCDHEC announces five additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 87 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 127 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 3,439 in all 46 counties.
  • APRIL 12, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued a third State of Emergency under Executive Order 2020-23 authorizing emergency powers for purpose of combatting the COVID-19 pandemic in the State of South Carolina. 
  • APRIL 12, 2020 – SCDHEC announces two additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 82 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 113 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 3,319 in all 46 counties.
  • APRIL 11, 2020 – SCDHEC announces eight additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 80 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 144 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 3,207 in all 46 counties.
  • APRIL 10, 2020 – SCDHEC announces 274 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 3,065 in all 46 counties.
  • APRIL 6, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued a “Home or Work Order,” Executive Order 2020-21. The Order mandates that all residents and visitors of South Carolina limit social interaction, practice social distancing and limit movements outside of their home or place of work.
  • APRIL 3, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-18 to temporarily close additional businesses classified as retail stores in addition to the three categories previously closed under Executive Order 2020-17: entertainment, athletic facilities, and close contact providers. The closure will be effective Wednesday, April 6 at 5:00 p.m. Examples of retail business closures include:
    • (a) Furniture and home-furnishings stores (b) Clothing, shoe, and clothing-accessory stores (c) Jewelry, luggage, and leather goods stores (d) Department stores, with the exception of hardware and home-improvement stores (e) Sporting goods stores (f) Book, craft, and music stores (g) Flea markets (h) Florists and flower stores.
    • If a business has a question as to whether it should close in view of the Governor’s Order, the business should complete the Essential Business Clarification form located on the South Carolina Department of Commerce website here. Questions can also be sent to covid19sc@sccommerce.com, or business representatives can call 803-734-2873. A team from South Carolina Department of Commerce will review the business’s request for clarification, and the business will receive a response with their determination, essential or non-essential, within 24 hours. If a business is not explicitly addressed in the governor’s executive order, the business should continue normal operations until a determination is made.
  • APRIL 3, 2020 – SCDHEC announces three additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 34 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 147 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 1,700 in all 46 counties.
  • APRIL 2, 2020 – SCDHEC announces 261 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 1,554 in all 46 counties.
  • MARCH 31, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-17 to temporarily close businesses in South Carolina in three categories: entertainment, athletic facilities, and close contact providers. The closure will be effective Wednesday, April 1 at 5:00 p.m. Examples of businesses closures include:
    • Entertainment — bowling alleys, night clubs, arcades, concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, tourist attractions including museums, racetracks, indoor children play areas (not daycares), adult entertainment venues, bingo halls, venues operated by social clubs.
    • Athletic facilities and activities – fitness centers and gyms, spas and public pools, spectator sports, events that require shared sporting equipment, public playground equipment
    • Close contact service providers – barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, nail salons, spas, body art facilities, tattoo parlors, tanning salons, massage therapy
    • If a business has a question as to whether it should close in view of the Governor’s Order, the business should complete the Essential Business Clarification form located on the South Carolina Department of Commerce website here. Questions can also be sent to covid19sc@sccommerce.com, or business representatives can call 803-734-2873. A team from South Carolina Department of Commerce will review the business’s request for clarification, and the business will receive a response with their determination, essential or non-essential, within 24 hours. If a business is not explicitly addressed in the governor’s executive order, the business should continue normal operations until a determination is made.
  • MARCH 31, 2020 – SCDHEC announces 158 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 1083 in 42 counties
  • MARCH 30, 2020 – SCDHEC announces two additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 18 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 151 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 925 in 41 counties
  • MARCH 29, 2020 – SCDHEC announces an additional death related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 16 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 113 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 774 in 40 counties
  • MARCH 28, 2020 – SCDHEC announces two additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 15 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 121 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 660 in 40 counties
  • MARCH 27, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-14 to require individuals entering South Carolina from High-Risk areas – consisting of New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the City of New Orleans, Louisiana – to self-quarantine for a period of fourteen (14) days. This order is mandatory and is enforceable by a law enforcement officer with potential penalty of misdemeanor, fine of not more than one hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than thirty days, pursuant to 16-7-10(A) of the South Carolina Code of Laws. 
  • MARCH 27, 2020 – SCDHEC announces four additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 13 deaths. Additionally, SCDHEC announces 86 additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the state total to 539 in 39 counties
  • MARCH 25, 2020 – Eighty-Two (82) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 424 cases statewide in 39 counties.  
  • MARCH 24, 2020 – SCDHEC announces two additional deaths related to COVID-19, bringing the state total to 7 deaths.
  • MARCH 24, 2020 – Forty-Four (44) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 342 cases statewide in 36 counties.  
  • MARCH 23, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-13 to direct law enforcement or a political subdivision to prohibit public gatherings, unless privately in their homes, of three or more if, in their discretion, the gathering poses a threat to public health. This does not apply to employee or employer environments.
  • MARCH 23, 2020 – One hundred three (103) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 298 cases statewide in 34 counties.  
  • MARCH 23, 2020 – U.S. Department of Education approves Spring 2020 assessment and accountability requested by the SC Department of Education. The waiver permits South Carolina to not administer any of the following assessment programs for the Spring 2020 semester:
    • SC READY (English language arts and mathematics in grades 3–8); 
    • SCPASS (science in grades 4 and 6);
    • End-of-Course Examination Program (English, Algebra, Biology, United States History and the Constitution) the requirement that these examinations count 20 percent has been waived;
    • Prekindergarten assessments – 4-year-old kindergarten (Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS Pre-K™), Individual Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs™), and Teaching Strategies® GOLD); and
    • Alternate Assessments – some students have already taken the alternate assessments. Districts will receive information for returning those materials.
    • Additional requirements remain in place. For full details included in the waiver, view the SDE release. 
  • MARCH 23, 2020 – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced the state’s fourth and fifth deaths related to COVID-19. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to five.
  • MARCH 22, 2020 – Twenty-Two (22) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 195 cases statewide in 33 counties.
  • MARCH 22, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order No. 2020-12 to suspend regulations to permit the curbside delivery or pickup of beer and wine. Alcoholic liquors, as defined in the Code, are prohibited from pickup or delivery. 
  • MARCH 21, 2020 – Forty-Six (46) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 173 cases statewide in 30 counties.
  • MARCH 21, 2020 – South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control receives first shipment of medical equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. SCDHEC received 55 pallets in the initial shipment containing N-95 masks, face shields, surgical masks, gowns and gloves. Additional shipments may continue in the coming weeks.
  • MARCH 20, 2020 – Forty-Five (45) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 125 cases statewide in 25 counties.
  • MARCH 20, 2020 – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Governor Henry McMaster’s request for the agency to offer South Carolina’s small businesses with disaster assistance. The approval means South Carolina’s small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, may qualify for low-interest federal disaster loans. All 46 counties are included in the disaster declaration. South Carolina’s businesses can apply online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
  • MARCH 19, 2020 — Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-11 to direct all non-essential employees and staff of the State of South Carolina – and employees of college, universities, and technical colleges – to not report to work until further notice, at the direction of the Agency Head or direct supervisor; to prohibit any county, municipality, or political subdivision of the State from closing any location or facility that may be necessary to perform mission-critical functions; to suspend requirement of unemployment payment by employers until June 1; to authorize DHEC to suspend regulations requiring Certificate of Need Review to permit healthcare facilities to make capital expenditures and acquire medical equipment to combat COVID-19.  
  • MARCH 19, 2020 — Twenty-One (21) additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 81 cases statewide in 17 counties.
  • MARCH 18, 2020 — Thirteen additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 60 cases statewide in 14 counties.
  • MARCH 17, 2020 — Fourteen additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina. This brings the total number, at this time, to 47 cases statewide in 13 counties.
  • MARCH 17, 2020 — South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) announces extension to file state returns and pay taxes due April 1, 2020, now due by June 1,2020. Penalty and interest will not be charged if payment is made by June 1. Online services are available by visiting MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov.
  • MARCH 17, 2020 — Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-10 to direct the DHEC to waive or suspend provisions of existing regulations that may prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with an emergency; to order that food-service establishments and bars may not permit on-premises dining or consumption, but to encourage delivery, carry-out or drive-through distribution for alternative means; the prohibition of any organized event or public gathering held at a location owned by South Carolina or a political subdivision if it would require convening fifty or more persons in a single area; to direct the Adjutant General to oversee efforts and utilize equipment for hospitals or other healthcare providers.
  • MARCH 16, 2020 — SCDHEC releases updated guidance on patient testing and travel of cruise ships.
  • MARCH 16, 2020 — Five additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina.
  • MARCH 16, 2020 — SCDHEC announces South Carolina’s first COVID-19 related death.
  • MARCH 15, 2020 — Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-09 to direct the closure of all public schools in South Carolina for students and non-essential employees from March 16, 2020 to March 31, 2020 unless otherwise directed by executive order. The order additionally directs elections held on or before May 1, 2020 to be postponed; and to urge indoor or outdoor public gatherings be limited to less than one-hundred (100) people.
  • MARCH 15, 2020 — Nine additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina.
  • MARCH 14, 2020 — Six additional cases of COVID-19 announced in South Carolina.
  • MARCH 13, 2020 — SCDHEC provides updated guidance on testing and reporting for COVID-19 in South Carolina.
  • MARCH 13, 2020 — Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-08 declaring State of Emergency for South Carolina due to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). The order DHEC be vested with powers set forth in the Emergency Health Powers Act; the closure of public schools located in Kershaw and Lancaster Counties; suspension of visitations to state corrections institutions and local detention facilities; activation of the South Carolina National Guard; limited licensing to security companies in protecting property; and prohibition of price gouging.
  • MARCH 11, 2020 — Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-07 to suspend certain rules and regulations for commercial vehicles and operators responding directly to assist in COVID-19 efforts.
  • MARCH 6, 2020 — State of South Carolina’s first two cases of COVID-19 announced in media briefing; one patient is elderly female from Kershaw County who has been hospitalized and in isolation; the second patient is an adult female from Charleston County who recently traveled to France and Italy. The patient did not require hospitalization and is self-isolated at home.
  • MARCH 2, 2020 — Governor Henry McMaster convenes Public Health Emergency Plan Committee to discuss potential impact of COVID-19 to South Carolina.
  • FEBRUARY 28, 2020 — SCDHEC issues interim guidance on the outbreak of COVID-19.
  • JANUARY 31, 2020 — Governor McMaster convened a meeting of the Public Health Emergency Plan Committee to discuss update on COVID-19.

QUICK INFORMATION:

  • How it is spread:
    • COVID-19 is commonly spread through air by coughing and sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; or touching an object with the virus and making contact with mouth, nose, or eyes.
  • Symptoms of COVID-19:
    • Symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild to severe illness, fever, coughing or shortness of breath.
  • Travelers:
    • Those who have traveled from an affected area in the past two weeks should seek medical advice if any symptoms develop during that period. Health officials are prepared with instructions on how to prevent the spread and proper procedures to avoid the spread.
  • COVID-19 Prevention:
    • Health officials recommend constant washing of hands with warm water and soap for more than twenty seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with sick individuals; stay home when not feeling well; and practicing social-distancing of keeping distance from others, greater than six feet.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Get Screened:
    • Individuals experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath should contact their personal doctor or healthcare provider. MUSC Health is providing a free telehealth screening to all South Carolinians experiencing symptoms without leaving their home using this link: https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html.
  • More Information:
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and South Carolina Department of Environmental Control have additional helpful information online at cdc.gov/covid19 and schec.gov/covid19.
    • The SCDHEC Care Line is available to provide general information from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., seven days a week by calling 855-472-3432.
    • The SCEMD, in collaboration with SCDHEC, has created an online portal to monitor testing and confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina. You can view this portal HERE.

EMPLOYMENT & WORKFORCE INFORMATION:

  • Unemployment Benefits:
    • Unemployment benefits are available to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must shut down operations and no work is available, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • Layoff Insurance Benefits:
    • Unemployment benefits are available to any individual who is unemployed through no fault of their own. If an employer must lay off employees due to the loss of production caused by the coronavirus, individuals may be eligible for unemployment benefits. This also applies to those employees’ whose hours may be reduced due to no fault of their own.
  • Paid Leave:
    • Employees receiving paid leave would not be considered unemployed and therefore ineligible to receive unemployment benefits.
  • COVID-19 Related Shutdown:
    • South Carolina law allows for the removal of charges from contributory employers when unemployment benefits are paid as a result of a natural disaster, either declared by the President of the United States or the declaration of emergency by the Governor. 
  • Unemployment Insurance Claims (Employees):
    • To submit an initial claim for unemployment insurance claims, individuals must follow three steps: (1) Apply for benefits through SCDEW, (2) Register for work, and (3) Search for work.
    • Individuals may submit an initial claim through MyBenefitsPortal (https://dew.sc.gov/individuals/manage-your-benefits/weekly-claims), once the application is submitted, DEW will review the claim and determine if you qualify.
    • Through the portal, individuals must register for work on SC Works Online Services within two weeks to avoid nonpayment. Additionally, individuals must update their resume every 90 days to continue payment.
    • To remain eligible, individuals must actively search for work each week and conduct at least two (2) job searches each week. Individuals may request a waiver for the requirement to perform two searches if for good cause.
  • Filing Claims for Workers (Employers):
    • Employers experiencing a temporary shutdown, slow or smaller workload than normal may request permission to file claims on their workers’ behalf. Employers are able to file up to six weeks for affected employees who are exempt from work searches during that time.
    • To file, employers must contact DEW’s Unemployment Insurance department at 866-831-1725 and sign an agreement letter to become authorized to file employees’ claims.
    • Employers are required to report earnings that the employee may have received during the particular week filed. The claim must be submitted after the week of layoff is over but within 14 days of the claim week ending date.
    • Additionally information is available online at: https://dew.sc.gov/employers/ui-benefits/filing-claims-for-your-workers. 
  • Economic Injury Disaster Loans:
    • The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans, through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the COVID-19. This program is designed to help the business community address financing and cash flow issues, which may exceed the underwriting requirements for local financial institutions. On March 17, Governor McMaster submitted the required request for assistance to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to make loans available in the form of SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans for eligible small businesses located in all 46 counties of the state. After approval of our state-certification by the SBA, the South Carolina Department of Commerce and South Carolina Emergency Management Division websites will have explicit instructions on how to fill out the SBA loan application. Please note this is a loan—not a grant—and will still carry underwriting requirements. If a small business is interested in obtaining an SBA loan, please contact Chuck Bundy at the South Carolina Department of Commerce at cbundy@sccommerce.com or 803-737-0440.
  • Small Business Disaster Assistance:
    • The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced it will offer South Carolina’s small businesses with disaster assistance. The approval means South Carolina’s small businesses that have suffered substantial economic injury, as a result of the COVID-19 virus, may qualify for low-interest federal disaster loans. All 46 counties are included in the disaster declaration. South Carolina’s businesses can apply online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
  • Federal Assistance for Small Business:
    • On March 27, President Trump signed into law H.R. 748, the CARES Act. Part of the Act included a Paycheck Protection Program to authorize up to $349 billion toward job retention and other expenses for small businesses. Nonprofit organizations, Veterans organizations, Tribal business, self-employed and independent contractors are among those eligible for the assistance. Businesses may apply online by visiting: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/top-priorities/cares-act/assistance-for-small-businesses.

INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES:

  • S.C. Public School Closures:
    •  The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) has announced the closure of all South Carolina public schools through April 30, 2020. The SCDE is working closely with SCDHEC, district, parents and students to provide essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak. More information is available on the SCDE Website, including school food sites, WiFi Hot Spots in S.C., and related information.
    • The Medical Board can expedite temporary licensure for out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, and respiratory care practitioners within 24 hours. There is no fee for these 90-day temporary licenses. You can apply for licensure by clicking here.
    • For nurses, South Carolina is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), which means registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) from these 32 other states who have multi-state licenses can work in South Carolina at any time. All states in the Southeast are part of the Nursing Compact. Additionally, the Board of Nursing can expedite licensure of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as RNs and LPNs from non-compact states. The expedited licensure only requires information from the hospital or other health provider or organization that is requesting the additional nursing staff from another state. The license is good for 15 days, but may be renewed. There is no fee associated with this expedited, temporary license. You can apply for licensure by clicking here.
  • On April 1, 2020, the SC Commission on Higher Education issued guidance to colleges and universities to determine whether a refund or credit to the student’s account for housing, dinning and other fees deemed appropriate by the institution. The guidance includes:
    • Students who remain enrolled for the remainder of the semester are eligible for a refund or credit. The suspension of in-person instruction does not change the student’s enrollment status for billing, financial aid, and/or reporting purposes.
    • Students who remain on campus for the remainder of the semester will not be eligible for refunded or credited services.
    • Refunds or credits should be prorated based on the number of days for which the service will not be provided to the student(s). Individual institutions will calculate the amount to be refunded or credited. Further, whether refund or credit, any remittance should first be applied to any remaining current charges.
    • Refunds or credits for eligible students should be processed by an institution at the earliest possible time based on a schedule determined by the institution.
    • Additional information may be found by visiting the SCCHE Website.
  • Health Insurance:
    • The S.C. Department of Insurance has provided information as to health insurance companies doing business in South Carolina and coverage. To learn more, go here.
  • Scam Alert:
    • South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has warned citizens to be alert to possible disaster-related scams such as fraudulent phone calls or price gouging, and report any suspected scams to the Attorney General’s office using this link: http://www.scag.gov/archives/40426.
  • Veterans and COVID-19:
    • The Veterans Administration has created this website with resources for veterans.
  • Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations:
    • The CDC issued this guidance on cleaning and disinfecting homes.
  • Children and COVID-19:
  • Pregnant/Breastfeeding and COVID-19:
    • The CDC issued this information for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Local Grocery Stores:
    • Several stores have been out of staples including toilet paper. Stores are stocking as quickly as they can and several stores are hiring more workers to help with stocking and cleaning.
  • State Tax Filing Deadlines:
    • Various tax filing and payment deadlines starting on April 1, 2020 were extended. As a result, affected individuals and businesses will have until June 1, 2020 to file and pay taxes for returns that are due between April 1, 2020 and June 1, 2020. To learn more, go here.
  • Federal Tax Information:
    • The Internal Revenue Service announced payment deadline of April 15, 2020 extended to July 15, 2020. To learn more, go here.

MEDICAL RESOURCES AND SUPPLIES:

  • Procedure for Requesting Resources:
    • Ensure suppliers routinely used cannot meet the request.
    • Utilize any mutual aid agreements that are in place.
    • Request assistance through their local healthcare coalition.
    • Contact County Emergency Management (EM) Division to submit a resource request.  If the County EM cannot fulfill the request, they must submit the request to the SCEMD Supply Unit.  Afterwards, the SCEMD Supply unit will then task to the appropriate ESF (or other sources), or provide vendor information to the requestor.
  • S.C. Emergency Medical Licensing:
    • The South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners and the South Carolina Board of Nursing have procedures in place to temporarily license individuals in times of an emergency. This is an available tool to combat the virus in our state. Here are the specifics:
    • The Medical Board can expedite temporary licensure for out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, and respiratory care practitioners within 24 hours. There is no fee for these 90-day temporary licenses. You can apply for licensure by clicking here.
    • For nurses, South Carolina is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), which means registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) from these 32 other states who have multi-state licenses can work in South Carolina at any time. All states in the Southeast are part of the Nursing Compact. Additionally, the Board of Nursing can expedite licensure of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), as well as RNs and LPNs from non-compact states. The expedited licensure only requires information from the hospital or other health provider or organization that is requesting the additional nursing staff from another state. The license is good for 15 days, but may be renewed. There is no fee associated with this expedited, temporary license. You can apply for licensure by clicking here.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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