| Spartanburg County, SC

Spartanburg County

Please monitor this SCDHEC site for the latest Spartanburg County Zip-code level information: https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/testing-sc-data-covid-19

South Carolina

https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/testing-sc-data-covid-19 (changes daily)
Several South Carolina health systems are offering telehealth options to public and can be found on this list .
More information on COVID-19 in South Carolina can be found here or by calling SCDHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.
An update on worldwide status of COVID-19 can be found on the Johns Hopkins Ops Dashboard.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

SIGNIFICANT EVENTS

March 13th, 2020 – President Trump declared a National Emergency.

March 13th, 2020 – Governor McMaster declared a State of Emergency and closed schools in Kershaw and Lancaster counties. The following additional actions are included in the governor’s executive order:

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

March 13th, 2020 – SCEMD increased its readiness level to Operating Condition 2 (OPCON 2).

March 15th, 2020 – Governor McMaster announced the closing of all schools in South Carolina beginning Monday March 16 through the end of the month including all Pre K-12 schools, universities, colleges, and technical colleges and asked that all public gatherings be limited to no more than 100 people.

March 16th, 2020 – The White House coronavirus task force recommended no gatherings of more than 10 people.

March 16th, 2020 – Spartanburg County Council issues public statement on COVID-19

March 17th, 2020 – Governor McMaster issued an executive order that:

Mandated all restaurants and bars to close their dine-in service starting Wednesday morning but encouraged curbside takeout and delivery to support small businesses.
Prohibited organized events of 50 or more across the state.
Mandated DHEC to waive regulations so hospitals can call on medical “students” to help with providing care and ordered all elective surgeries to be halted within the next 72 hours.

March 18th, 2020 - South Carolina Supreme Court issues Order on statewide evictions and foreclosures.

March 19th, 2020 – Governor McMaster has issued an executive order that:

Mandates all non-essential state employees must stay home from work. State agency heads will determine which employees should stay home.
Mandates public universities and colleges must also determine what employees are needed to keep working to allow students to finish semester online.
Orders law enforcement is ordered to “vigorously enforce the law” to prevent looting, violence or any lawlessness during this state of emergency under the order. McMaster stated he is asking agencies to put school resource officers and court officers on duty if needed since schools and courts are closed.
In addition, McMaster is asking all hospitals and overnight medical facilities restrict all visitation with patients unless it is an end of life circumstance and also asked people not to hoard items and buy only what they need.

March 21st, 2020 - Gov. Henry McMaster

Urges Donations, Extends Income Tax Deadline, Allows Curbside Sale of Beer and Wine by Restaurants

March 22nd, 2020 – DHEC

Announces Additional 22 Cases of COVID-19, Continues to Urge Residents to take Prevention Precautions

March 23, 2020 – Gov McMaster

Governor McMaster has issued and executive orderthat:
- Authorizes law enforcement to disburse groups of 3 or more.

March 23rd, 2020 – Spartanburg County reduces public access through remote options

March 24, 2020 – South Department of Education

South Carolina Public Schools are closed through April 30

March 27, 2020 – Governor McMaster issued an executive order regarding self- quarantining for individuals from High-Risk areas.

March 28, 2020 – Governor McMaster issued an executive order consolidating and when applicable, extending previous orders.

March 30, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2020-16, which orders the closure of all public access points to the state’s beaches, as well as closure of all public boat ramps, landings and other access points on the state’s lakes, rivers and waterways

March 31, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2020-17.

The businesses that will be closed as a result of the governor’s executive order are as follows:

Entertainment venues and facilities as follows:

Night clubs
Bowling alleys
Arcades
Concert venues
Theaters, auditoriums, and performing arts centers
Tourist attractions (including museums, aquariums, and planetariums)
Racetracks
Indoor children’s play areas (excluding daycare facilities)
Adult entertainment venues
Bingo halls
Venues operated by social clubs

Recreational and athletic facilities and activities as follows:

Fitness and exercise centers and commercial gyms
Spas and public or commercial swimming pools
Group exercise facilities, to include yoga, barre, and spin studios or facilities
Spectator sports
Sports that involve interaction with another person in close proximity and within less than six (6) feet of another person
Activities that require the use of shared sporting apparatus and equipment
Activities on commercial or public playground equipment

Close-contact service providers as follows:

Barber shops
Hair salons
Waxing salons
Threading salons
Nail salons and spas
Body-art facilities and tattoo services
Tanning salons
Massage-therapy establishments and massage services

Clarification Assistance Provided by the South Carolina Department of Commerce

If a business has a question as to whether they qualify as essential, they should complete the Essential Business Clarification form located on the South Carolina Department of Commerce website, which will be easily accessible on the South Carolina Department of Commerce’s website. Questions can also be sent to [email protected], 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 - Governor Henry McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-18

McMaster has expanded his original order closing non-essential businesses to now include the following types of stores: furniture, jewelry, department, clothing and shoes, florists, books, crafts and music stores.
Stores that can remain open include grocery stories, gas stations, hardware stores, home improvement stores and firearm retailers.
This order will go into effect Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m.
To see the complete list, click here: https://www.sccommerce.com/covid-19-non-essential-business-guidelines.
April 3, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-19 Suspend short-term rentals throughout the state to people traveling from coronavirus hotspots across the country. This includes hotels, short-term rentals, vacation homes, B&B’s, timeshares, etc.

April 6, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-21

Home or Work Order - Enforceable by law - Click link or read attached

April 8, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-22

Gov. Henry McMaster Orders that Furloughed Employees Qualify for Unemployment Benefits

April 12, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-23

Third State of Emergency Due to COVID-19 Pandemic

April 16, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2023-25

Modification of Emergency Restrictions for Public Waters & Emergency Measures for Unemployment Claims & Benefits

April 16, 2020 – President Donald J. Trump issued new Guidelines on Opening Up America Again, which contemplates individual States reopening in phases using a deliberate, data-driven approach tailored to address the situation in each State

April 18, 2020 - Gov. Henry McMaster Creates accelerateSC, a Coordinated Economic Revitalization Plan

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.

Governor Henry McMaster Also Opens Public Beach Access, Limited Retail Businesses

Governor McMaster 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.

April 22, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster and Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announce that schools will remain closed the rest of the 2019 – 2020 academic school year.

April 25, 2020 - COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Henry McMaster, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Rep. Jeff Duncan will join Boeing for a press event tomorrow, Sunday, April 26 at 10:30 AM.

April 27, 2020 – Governor Henry McMaster and Lt. Governor Pamela S. Evette participated in the first meeting of the “Governance” component of AccelerateSC today at the University of South Carolina Alumni Center today 2:00 PM to approximately 4:00 PM.

April 27, 2020 - Governor Henry McMaster today issued Executive Order 2020-29 to continue the State’ response to COVID19

April 30, 2020 – Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty, South Carolina Supreme Court, issues Order Number 2020-04-30-02 pertaining to Statewide Evictions and Foreclosures. Supersedes Order Number 2020-03-018-01

May 8, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-33, rescheduling elections postponed pursuant to Executive Orders 2020-09 and 2020-29 for Tuesday, July 14, 2020.

Governor McMaster also issued Executive Order 2020-34, authorizing limited indoor dining services and rescinding boat restrictions.

Restaurants: Limited indoor, on-premises customer dining is authorized effective Monday, May 11, 2020, at 12:01 a.m. Restaurants that elect to provide limited indoor, on-premises customer dining services should consider and incorporate industry guidelines regarding the same, such as those prepared and published by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, in addition to undertaking and implementing all reasonable steps to comply with any applicable sanitation guidelines promulgated by the CDC, DHEC, or any other state or federal public health officials.
Boating: Restrictions are rescinded on the beaching or rafting of boats, whether on a sandbar, lakeshore, riverbank, or island, as is the requirement that vessels must remain underway at all times unless exigent circumstances exist.

May 11, 2020 - DHEC met its goal of hiring 1,000 contact tracers by May 31, retaining 1,400 new people through contracts with private staffing companies for a total of 1,800. DHEC currently has 14 mobile testing clinics scheduled across the state, with more planned in the coming days. To find a mobile testing clinic near you, visit DHEC’s mobile testing clinic webpage. Yesterday, DHEC began the first of three phases of testing for 40,000 residents and workers in South Carolina nursing homes.

Governor McMaster announced that close contact service providers, fitness and exercise centers, commercial gyms, and public or commercial pools will be able to open in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18. Close contact service providers include the following businesses: Barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons and spas, body-art facilities and tattoo services, tanning salons, massage-therapy establishments and massage services. Commercial gyms will include group exercise facilities such as yoga studios, barre classes, and others. The “Response” component of accelerateSC, with advice and recommendations from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), have developed general guidelines for close contact service providers, along with specific guidelines for cosmetology establishments, gyms and fitness centers, and public or commercial pools.

Governor McMaster also announced that state government workers would return to their offices no later than June 3. Agencies are now working on protocols to ensure their safe return.

SC LAWMAKERS return today to adopt emergency measures aimed at funding the state’s fight against the coronavirus and keep government operating. The proposed continuing resolution would send $155 million of surplus dollars to a COVID-19 reserve account and $1.5 million to the Department of Administration to oversee state and federal spending for coronavirus. The continuing resolution also includes up to $15 million to ensure poll workers and voters are safe in the upcoming elections. And it sends another $25 million to the Medical University of South Carolina to assist with statewide testing.

May 13, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-35, declaring a state of emergency in South Carolina due to the ongoing and evolving public health threat posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 15, 2020 – Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-36 incremental modification of non-essential business closures effective May 18, 2020. Businesses to open include: Gyms, barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salons, nail salons and spas, body-art facilities and tattoo services, tanning salons, massage therapy establishments, and pools

May 20, 2020 - Governor McMaster announced that attraction facilities will be permitted to open throughout South Carolina beginning Friday, May 22nd. The governor’s announcement comes after AccelerateSC has been meeting for nearly a month to determine the safest ways to reinvigorate the state’s economy.

The “Response” component of AccelerateSC has established exhaustive safety guidelines for businesses that have been allowed to reopen. Guidelines for attraction facilities can be found here and on the AccelerateSC website, along with guidelines for all recently re-opened businesses.

Examples of attraction facilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Zoos
Museums
Aquariums
Planetariums
Historic buildings and sites
Waterparks
Amusement park rides
Go-Kart tracks
Bingo facilities (specific guidelines can be found here)
Miniature golf facilities

Governor McMaster also announced that youth and adult sports leagues will be allowed to begin practicing on May 30th, with competitive play resuming on June 15th. Specific guidelines, created by the “Response” component of AccelerateSC, can be found here.

While Governor McMaster never took any action prohibiting day camps, which are popular for children during the summer months, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Health and Environmental Control have established guidelines for those planning to hold camps this summer. Those guidelines can be found here.

May 20, 2020 - CDC released their larger reopening guidance earlier this week, and updated information and resources for

June 11, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-40, declaring a seventh State of Emergency for the State due to COVID-19 that remains in effect through June 26, 2020, and lifts additional restrictions on businesses.

The latest Executive Order amends provisions of 2020-18 and 2020-21 to allow for the re- opening of bowling alleys following guidance from AccelerateSC.

The guidelines for the re-opening of bowling alleys include, but are not limited to the following:

Bowlers should be spread out on the lanes to ensure that they are 6 feet or more apart. This can be accomplished by either limiting the number of people on one lane at a time and/or having an empty lane in between each active one.
Request that customers bring their own bowling balls and shoes, if they have them.
Clean and disinfect bowling balls and shoes between users.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (bathroom doors, sink handles, chairs, etc.) routinely throughout the day.
Provide hand sanitizer at each lane. Make disinfectant available to customers who want to disinfect their ball and lane.
Disable video games, juke boxes, etc. OR clean and disinfect them between each user.

Restrictions regarding occupancy in retail stores pursuant to Section 2(B) of 2020-28 were also amended as a part of the latest Executive Order. Retail establishments across the State are no longer required to limit occupancy to 5 people per 1,000 square feet or 20% of the posted occupancy, whichever is less, but facilities must continue to follow CDC, DHEC, or other sanitation guidance as issued by state or federal public health officials.

Another modification contained in Executive Order 2020-40, deletes Section 5 of 2020-10, to remove the restriction on gatherings of 50 (or more) persons in a single room or other confined spaces at certain organized events or public gatherings at locations or facilities owned or operated by the State, or any political subdivision. All other provisions of 2020-10 remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency and all reasonable steps must be taken to comply with CDC, DHEC, or other sanitation guidance as issued by state or federal public health officials.

Pursuant to the extended State of Emergency under Executive Order 2020-40, the following Executive Orders shall remain in full force and effect for the duration of the State of Emergency unless otherwise noted or subsequently altered:

2020-09 (Closing Schools, Other Provisions in Response to COVID-19)
2020-10 (Directing Additional Emergency Measures Due to COVID-19)
2020-11 (Additional Emergency Measures & Regulatory Relief Regarding COVID-19)
2020-12 (Regulatory Flexibility to Facilitate “Social Distancing”)
2020-13 (Authorizing Law Enforcement to Preserve Public Health)
2020-16 (Emergency Access Restrictions for Public Beaches and Waters)
2020-18 (Closure of Additional Non-Essential Businesses)
2020-21 (Relating to Home or Work Orders)
2020-22 (Authorization for COVID-19 Support Payments by Employers)
2020-25 (Emergency Measures for Unemployment Claims & Benefits)
2020-28 (Modification of Restrictions for Public Beaches & Waters & Incremental Modification of Non-Essential Business Closures)
2020-30 (Rescinding Executive Order 2020-14 and 2020-19)
2020-31 (Modification of Home or Work Orders and Authorizing Outdoor Dining)
2020-33 (Rescheduling Elections)
2020-34 (Rescinding Boating Restrictions and Authorizing Limited Indoor Dining)
2020-36 (Modifying Non-Essential Business Closures Relating to Close Contact Services)
2020-37 (Modifying Non-Essential Business Closures Relating to Entertainment Venues)

June 26, 2020 – Governor McMaster provided an update regarding COVID19. The bulk of the press conference reiterated previous protective actions stressed by the Governor. However, he did note that the Department of Education is moving forward with plans for in-classroom teaching and DHEC plans to begin allowing immediate family members visitation rights for loved ones in nursing homes.

July 1, 2020 – Governor McMaster provided a COVID19 Update, stressing masks and social distancing. He also noted that if trends continue, he will not lift the remaining restrictions he has in place on large gatherings. He also stressed that everyone should obey the law and consider future liabilities should laws not be followed. Lastly, DHEC noted that contact tracing has become an impossible task and will be limited based on circumstances.

July 10, 2020 - Governor McMaster passed an executive order temporarily suspending all sale of alcohol past 11:00 pm. Any business that doesn’t follow the executive order could have their alcohol license revoked.

July 15, 2020 – Governor McMaster recommended School Districts postpone the opening of schools until after Labor Day and have options for parents that include a 5 day, traditional classroom option. He provided a deadline for school district plans and encouraged any plan without a 5 day classroom option be rejected.

July 20, 2020 - South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster was in Greenville Monday to announce the creation of the Safe Access to Flexible Education (SAFE) grants. McMaster said the one-time, need-based grants of up to $6,500 will help or subsidize the 2020-21 tuition for eligible students at participating private, parochial or independent schools in South Carolina. Approximately 5,000 grants will be funded.

July 26, 2020 - Governor McMaster issued Executive Order 2020-48, which extends the State of Emergency for the State due to COVID-19 that remains in effect for 15 days unless otherwise expressly stated or modified, amended, or rescinded by subsequent Order.

July 29, 2020 - Gov. Henry McMaster Takes Additional Action to Slow Virus Spread
Additional Restrictions on Restaurants, Government Buildings, Limits Crowd Sizes, Calls on Local Governments to Pass Ordinances

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Gov. Henry McMaster today announced that all previously recommended guidelines for restaurants and other establishments that attract groups of people are now mandatory. The governor’s Executive Order establishing these new measures will go into effect Monday, August 3.

“These limited restrictions are temporary, they are measured, and they are targeted towards what we know works,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “These measures give South Carolina the best chance to slow the spread of the virus without shutting down the state’s economy – which we cannot and will not do – as many continue to call for.”

Additionally, the governor continued his call for all South Carolinians to wear face coverings when appropriate, and he encouraged local governments to adopt face covering ordinances. The governor also ordered that face coverings must be worn in all state government buildings according to guidelines and procedures developed by the state Department of Administration, effective August 5th.

These guidelines for restaurants, first established by AccelerateSC, have been strongly recommended until now. They are now mandatory and include the following:

Operating dine-in services at no more than 50% of the certificate of occupancy issued by the fire marshal.
Employees and patrons shall be required to wear masks or face coverings.
Tables are to be spaced to keep diners at least six feet apart.
No more than 8 customers per table unless from the same family.
Standing or congregating in bar area of restaurant is prohibited.
Establishments that possess a state permit to sell alcohol shall be subject to these restrictions.

Other types of businesses, facilities, venues, events or mass gatherings which are permitted to open but are required to implement AccelerateSC guidelines include the following: festivals, parades, concerts, theaters, stadiums, arenas, coliseums, auditoriums, grandstands, amphitheaters, gymnasiums, concert halls, dance, halls, performing arts centers, parks, racetracks, or similarly operated entities. These guidelines include, but are not limited to, the following:

Attendance may not exceed 50% of the certificate of occupancy issued by the fire marshal – or 250 persons – whichever is less.
Require the wearing of masks or face coverings as a condition of admission or participation
Enact social distancing, cleaning and hygiene practices as recommended by AccelerateSC
End the sale of alcohol at 11:00 PM

Businesses, event organizers, and others responsible for events that may exceed the occupancy rules may receive clarification allowing the event to proceed if they can satisfactorily demonstrate an ability to comply with federal and state COVID-19 procedures and protocols to the Department of Commerce.

Executive Order 2020-50 Summary

August 21, 2020 - Gov. Henry McMaster Requests that DHEC Promptly Issue Guidance to Allow Visitation in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today requested, via letter to Chairman Mark Elam, that the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), “promptly issue up-to-date visitation guidelines providing all direction and information deemed necessary to resume – or require resumption if necessary – in-person visitation with residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.”

“Restricting visitation to our state’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities in March was a heartbreaking necessity,” the governor writes. “It was the most effective way to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to save the lives of our state’s elderly and at-risk residents.”

“We are committed to protecting the physical, mental and emotional health of our elderly and at-risk people – and their loved ones,” the governor continued. “Although no policy or procedure can eliminate all possibility of risk, it is clear that the time has come to expand current rules to allow in- person visitation by immediate family members, loved ones or caregivers.”

On March 13, the governor directed DHEC to restrict visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the exception of end of life situations, as DHEC deemed necessary and appropriate. On June 26, the governor directed DHEC to develop guidelines to allow for or facilitate limited visitation in these facilities. The governor then, on July 2, asked DHEC to delay the release of those guidelines due to concerns about the rising rate of infection and hospitalization.

DHEC also recommends that these guidelines be used by intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“Our first priority when developing these guidelines was to protect both the physical and mental health of our loved ones who call nursing homes and assisted living facilities their home,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, DHEC Public Health Director. “As we are all too aware, these vulnerable individuals are among those at highest risk for developing life- threatening and life-taking complications from COVID-19.”

These limited outdoor visitation criteria and guidelines are based on the most recent CMS guidance for reopening nursing homes, CDC guidance for COVID-19 in nursing homes, and DHEC’s long-term care facility testing guidance, as well as visitation plans from other states. The guidelines are available in full on DHEC’s website, on the “Nursing Homes” resource webpage accessible toward the bottom of the main COVID- 19 landing page.

For those facilities that are able to meet the criteria outlined in the guidelines, they may allow for physically distanced outdoor visitation for a limited period of time.

As of today, there are 90 nursing homes in the state that meet the criteria of not having cases among residents or staff within the prior 14 days, and there are 31 nursing homes that have only had one case in the last 14 days and would hopefully soon meet this criteria as well.

Since visitation restrictions have been implemented to protect long-term care facility residents, 129 South Carolina nursing homes have taken advantage of the CMS COVID-19 Communicative Technology grant and received funding to connect residents with their family members using tablets, smart phones, and other devices. This grant support provided a way for nursing home residents to see, hear and talk with their loved ones remotely.

“With these new guidelines, the Governor, DHEC, and the facilities that care for our loved ones are so happy to bring those critical connections from cyberspace to an outdoor space, and we look forward to many socially distanced but happy reunions,” Duwve said.

For more information, visit www.scdhec.gov/COVID19.

September 1, 2020 - DHEC Provides New Guidelines for Limited Outdoor Visitation at Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Today, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is providing new guidelines for limited outdoor visitation at nursing homes and community residential care facilities, commonly referred to as assisted living facilities.

“We understand how difficult it has been during these past few months for friends and families to be distanced from their loved ones who reside in nursing homes and similar facilities, but we believe the visitation restrictions put in place have helped save lives and have helped protect the health and wellbeing of the dedicated workers who care for these residents,” said Marshall Taylor, Acting Director of DHEC.

A facility’s ability to allow visitation depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:

Existing cases of the virus within the facility
Facility’s staffing capabilities and PPE availability
Facility’s ability to comply with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) testing requirements.

Each nursing home and assisted living facility will need a reasonable amount of time in order to meet the criteria outlined in these guidelines, meaning outdoor visitation will not be immediately available. South Carolinians are encouraged to coordinate directly with facilities to determine when visitation may be permitted and to coordinate visits when possible.

DHEC also recommends that these guidelines be used by intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

For those facilities that are able to meet the criteria outlined in the guidelines, they may allow for physically distanced outdoor visitation for a limited period of time.

For more information, visit www.scdhec.gov/COVID19.