South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has lifted the COVID-19 ‘last call’ rule to the appauld of South Carolina's restaurants. This means that alcohol sales can return to pre-covid rules concerning alcohol sales in South Carolina as licensed by the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Also event for more than 250 people do no longer need approval before they are planned to happen.
Per South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster, “With the spread of the virus consistently decreasing across the country and more of the most vulnerable South Carolinians being vaccinated every day, I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary,” He also was quoted saying “The virus is still among us and we all must continue to make responsible decisions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, but those decisions are for South Carolinians to make.”
So exactly what does that mean? South Carolina’s restaurants will now be allowed to serve alcohol even after 11 p.m. This starts on Monday, March 1st., 2021. The prior rule was put into place to try and curb the spread of covid-19 in South Carolina in crowded close contact places like restaurants and bars.
South Carolina's Governor Henry McMaster felt the rule could now be lifte and it had done its part to slow the spread of the coronavirus. He felt that it was important do do this before since the cornavirus causes the respiratory illness even in young people. Per DHEC South Carolina residents between the ages of 21 and 40 make up more than 30% of South Carolinians who have been diagnosed with the virus, according to the state’s health department.
Even with the rule lifted, DHEC still recommends social distancing and mask wearing.
Per South Carolina's DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer, “Many South Carolinians have done their part by practicing the prevention measures we know work. We are here today because of our citizens’ careful and ongoing efforts and we thank you for taking care of each other and putting your community and people first. I urge you to continue wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, staying home and away from others if you’re sick and when it’s your time, get a safe and effective vaccine. Working together, we will defeat COVID-19.”
As of this past weekend 905,000 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine had been administered in South Carolina and the efforts are continuing.
For the latest South Carolina Covid-19 numbers please see DHEC's website.
South Carolina's DHEC wants you to be informed and know that their top priority is to save the lives of South Carolina residents and beyond. The say everyone will have a chance to get the vaccine. However, the number of doses is currently limited in South Carolina like in all states. They ask everyone to please be patient, learn what phase you’re in and follow the guidance of our public health officials. This will allow public health officials to ensure those at highest risk and those who keep us alive are vaccinated first.
To support this effort, vaccine distribution is occurring in a phased approach. The Phase outline provides an overview of the anticipated categories and time for each phase. This is subject to change at any time for many reasons, such as a change in federal guidance or in the VAC’s recommendations for South Carolina. Most recently South Carolina teachers tried to get it changed to add them to the first phase. That has still not been decided, but the next phase may be coming out quickly anyway.
South Carolina's DHEC still wants you to remember the follwoing to do your part in the fight again Covid-19.
- Wearing your mask
- Getting tested and staying home when you’re sick
- Avoiding large gatherings
- Practicing physical distancing