Here’s the highlights what’s included in the ordinance, issued yesterday afternoon by Mayor Knox White: ○Urge the Governor to follow the lead of many other U.S. states, and order a “stay-at-home” mandate for South Carolina. ○Make it illegal for businesses to allow customers to not adhere to the proper social distancing measures – aka keeping at least six feet of space between other people, etc. ○ City residents are strongly urged to stay in their homes at all times, with a few exceptions (more on that in a second). ○ Anyone caught violating the ordinance would be subject to a criminal infraction and could face fines of up to $100
Graph of where “people were still traveling the most on Friday” from the New York Times
Why is that? While South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has ordered for the closure of all non-essential businesses, he’s so far stopped short of ordering people to stay put. Instead, he says that the message from the beginning, a “strong recommendation,” has been to stay home.
Some local governments don’t think “strong recommendations” are sufficient in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Cities like Columbia, Charleston, and – as of yesterday – Spartanburg, have passed emergency “stay at home” ordinances.
City Council will meet to affirm Mayor White’s ordinance at 10 a.m. Make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, as we’ll be sure to break the news once the vote on this ordinance is in.
○ The Spartanburg City Council approvedan emergency social distancing ordinance yesterday. If citizens need to leave their homes to conduct necessary activities, they can only be in groups of two people. The ordinance will be in effect for 15 days and also gives local law enforcement the power to take the appropriate actions to separate crowds. (WYFF 4)
○ An Amazon worker out of the Greenville delivery centertested positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Amazon has notified other employees at the location and has asked workers who came in close contact with the individual to self-quarantine. Read more about disinfecting after handing packages or mailhere.(Greenville News)
○ The United Way of Greenville County is updating local volunteer opportunitiesdaily on the Hands on Greenvillewebsite. Many of the opportunities are virtual and require no personal interaction. You can also donate to the United Way’s COVID-19 Community Relief Fundhere.
○ Per the S.C. LLR, the deadline for renewing any licenses, registrations and/or permits set to expire between April and August has been extended to September 30. This decision involves the following boards: Barbers, Cosmetology, Contractors, Dentistry, Engineers and Surveyors, Environmental Certification, Funeral, Long Term Health Care, LP Gas, Manufactured Housing, Massage Therapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Real Estate Appraisers, Real Estate Commission and Residential Builders. (Fox Carolina)
○ The Upstate’s famous The Peddler Steakhouse has started selling prepared meats to customers to cook at home. Like all restaurants, this 50-year-old Greenville staple is not currently open for dining in, but these carry-out options are helping to supplement a lack of supply in some area grocery stores. (WYFF 4)
○Unemployment claims in South Carolina doubled over the last week as more and more workers begin to feel the effects of the coronavirus. Greenville county’s claims increased by 101% over last week. (Greenville News)
○Clemson University announced $25 million in refunds for students who cannot return to campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prorated refunds will cover on-campus housing, dining plans and parking permits and are expected to be issued by the middle of April. (Fox Carolina)
○ If you need a quiet place to conduct meetings, make critical calls or teach remotely, Home2 Suites in downtown Greenville is offering special day rate deals and free coffee.
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
Hey, there. Looking for today’s #MustDo events? In accordance with the
CDC’s recommendations regarding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone public event coverage for the time being. We look forward to bringing you Greenville’s #MustDo events soon (until then, feel free to submit your virtual events
here).
Tonight is the last night to catch Venus gliding by the Pleiades star cluster in the western sky. This phenomenon will occur 30 minutes after sunset at a safe distance of about 360 light-years away. Venus won’t come this close to the Seven Sisters constellation again until 2028. That’s pretty outta this world if you ask us.
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #GVLtoday on social media.
News Notes
Weather ○ 76º | Mostly sunny | 0% chance of rain
Dish ○ Time to Taste Catering and The Community Tap are partnering up for avirtual date nighttonight. What’s on the menu? For $60 you will get two servings of Paella(seafood or vegetarian) and two bottles of wine. Bonus points if you have a porrón to put your wine in. Pick up is at The Community Tap North Main between 1-6 p.m. and then join the Facebook live wine tasting at 7. 🍷
WaterCooler ○ The S.C. High School League will hold off on cancelling spring sports. “As long there is a hope for school, there is a hope for play…” SCHSL commissioner Jerome Singleton said. Currently, S.C. schools will not be in session until April 30, so sports are on hold until that date too. (The Herald)
Community ○ Normally,Off the Grid Greenvilleis helping us find ways to come together in our community.Now, they’re helping us find ways to come together while we’re apart. Using the hashtag #stayoffthegrid, Off the Grid Greenville is helping neighbors connect, inspire and support one another during this difficult time. Check out the cool things other Greenvillians are doing here. (Off the Grid Greenville)
Announced ○ The USDA has approved South Carolina’shemp farming state plan. There were 350 applicants who applied for permits to grow hemp in S.C. in 2020. As the new guidelines are stricter + more in line with new standards nationwide, any farmers who received permits in 2019 and did not re-apply for a 2020 permit must destroy or sell any excess hemp by May 1. (Fox Carolina)
TheBuy ○ The Greenville Triumph is partnering with Coastal Crust Pizza and the Uptown Company to offer unique “split” gift cards to support local businesses during this time. These gift cards range from $35-$150. Half the money goes towards some yummy eats at either restaurant + the other half is for Triumph merchandise. ⚽
Ranked ○ Somebody break out the party hats. Feedspot ranked GVLtoday as no. 4 on their list of Top 10 Greenville News Websites to follow in 2020. Shout out to our awesome readers, and thank you for all the support and encouragement you show us daily. 🎉
Advertise ○ Get the word out now: We are offering a limited-time package discount for all advertising placed in the next 60 days (ends 5/24). This package includes 4 Email Newsletter Banner Ads and 1 Highlight for $2,000. Click here to learn more and reserve your place ASAP.
DealsOfTheDay ○ Take $50 off your first order of $500+ promotional products at Promozation. They’ll also throw in a free 2 oz hand sanitizer while supplies last. Order online and use promo code KeepCalmOrderSwag or call 877-864-9045 and mention the deal. Ⓟ ○ Finding yourself in the kitchen these days? Buy 3 products from Oil & Vinegar and receive a 4th free + they’ll throw in a thank you gift for supporting local. Use code ThanksGVL at checkout or call 864-241-6689. Ⓟ ○ Treat yourself to a spa day when this is all over. Grab a gift card to Woodhouse Day Spa for 25% off until 4/10. Use code 25GCApril at checkout. Ⓟ ○ Looking for additional things to do with your kiddos?Sensory Jungle is offering 50% off all Home School Survival Kits. Use code GVLtoday thru 4/30. Ⓟ ○ Magnolia Scents by Design is offering 35% off all gift card orders. Use CERT35OFF at checkout. Ⓟ
If you’re like us, one of your quarantine to-do list items is self-care.That also means hair care.And we just found out aboutHairstory’s New Wash product: a new alternative to traditional shampoo + conditioner.
DYK? When you wash your hair, the detergents in shampoo often strip all oils (good and bad), resulting in your scalp over-producing oil. New Washcleans without detergent, only removing excess oil, dirt + styling products – keeping your scalp healthy. Ⓟ
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