More than half the states are reopening or have plans to reopen their economies. Governor McMaster has opened non-essential businesses. Restaurants have started dine-in services. Beaches, boardwalks and gyms are open also. The ‘home or work’ order is no longer mandatory. However, while it is no longer mandatory, these reopenings are based on the premise that individuals will continue to use common sense to flatten the curve. This is not a “return to normal” but a “return to the NEW normal.” I encourage you to continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands and wear face coverings. Let us do our best to avoid leaving home for nonessential activity.
There are mixed feelings about the state reopening. Some are excited to see businesses opening. Others are concerned about a resurgence in COVID-19. Governor McMaster has created accelerateSC, a coordinated economic revitalization plan involving small and large business leaders, healthcare professionals, local government officials, and education professionals.
The economic revitalization plan consists of five components of analysis and effort: Response, Protection, Governance, Resources, and Information. They will employ maximum communication, collaboration and cooperation among themselves. The goal is to assist our society to effectively identify issues, solutions, and assets necessary for a phased revitalization path for South Carolina’s economy, guided by healthcare and medical data.
The accelerateSC participants will make immediate, intermediate and long-term recommendations to the governor for revitalizing and expanding South Carolina’s economy while protecting the health of the citizens of South Carolina.
It is imperative that we continue to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfecting. These steps must be taken in our personal and public spaces. The reopening requires careful planning and continued practice of new social norms. Every individual in our community can help to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing and prevention hygiene, such as frequently washing your hands and wearing face coverings. We all have a role in making sure our communities are as safe as possible to reopen and remain open.
The Centers for Disease Control provides a list of important reminders about Coronaviruses and Reducing the Risk of Exposure:
• Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects.
• Normal routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs and dirt from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading COVID-19 infection.
• Disinfectants kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. Bleach solutions will be effective for disinfection up to 24 hours.
As with all matters concerning state government, I want to hear your opinions and suggestions concerning these issues. Please contact me in my Columbia office located at 602 Gressette Office Building. You can reach me, or a member of my staff in Columbia at 803-212-6008 or by fax at 803-212-6011. My district office is located at 1305 North Main Street, Marion, SC 29571, the phone number is 843-423-8237 and the fax number is 843- 431-6049. You may also email me at kentwilliams@ scsenate.gov. My business phone is 843-423-3904. Please use this information to write, call or email me with your suggestions and concerns regarding issues before the Senate and in our community.