Yesterday afternoon, Governor Henry McMaster issued a mandatory “home or work” order to take effect across the state of South Carolina today at 5:00 p.m. You can view the full executive order from the governor’s office here. “Call it what you want,” Governor McMaster said, “but this is a stay-at-home order . . . work and home; home and work.” The governor also said more serious actions and penalties could be implemented if the public does not adhere to the state’s new “home or work” order.
South Carolinians must stay at home unless they are:
○ Going to work, for employers operating within the limits of the order. ○ Caring for or visiting a family member at their home, with adherence to ‘social distancing’ guidelines. ○ Visiting a business that is considered essential. You can obtain supplies and services that are necessary for your household. ○ Seeking medical, behavioral health, or emergency care for yourself or someone in your immediate family or household. ○ Going outside, as long as the only people you’re with live in your household and you are keeping at least six feet of distance from those around you who are not in your household. ○ Attending religious services, though Gov. McMaster encourages everyone to attend services – including Easter services – online. ○ Traveling to court proceedings, or transporting children as required by court order or custody agreement. ○ Caring for pets, as long as you are abiding by social distancing guidelines.
Any violations of this order will be considered a misdemeanor + can be enforced by any law enforcement officer of the state. Individuals can face 30 days in jail or be fined $100 if they are found to be in violation of Governor McMaster’s order. This order and the penalties outlined by state officials are also applicable to South Carolina’s waterways.
The governor also placed limitations on the total number of customers allowed in businesses. Businesses can have no more than five people per 1,000 square feet or 20 percent of capacity according to the fire code, whichever is lower. However, he did not make changes to the list of non-essential businesses.
In addition, SCDHEC reported during the press conference that we are currently at 51.1% capacity in hospitals around the state. As of yesterday at 4:45 p.m, 48 individualshave died of COVID-19 in South Carolina and over 2,200 have tested positive for the virus. In Greenville County, 204 people have tested positive for the virus. Click here to view an interactive map of COVID-19 cases in South Carolina updated daily by SCDHEC.
During the press conference, McMaster said: “It is now time to make these recommended actions required . . . Too many people are not complying with our requests for social distancing.”
Coronavirus
○ The BMW plant in Spartanburg will extend its shutdown to April 30. The plant was originally scheduled to resume operations on April 13. The company cites a decrease in demand and supply chain disruptions as the reasons for the extended closure. (Fox Carolina)
○ The City of Greenville closed all portions of the Swamp Rabbit Trail within Greenville city limits beginning yesterday at sundown. Signs will soon be posted at city/county lines and at other locations along the trail.
○ The South Carolina Forestry Commission has announced a statewide burning banuntil further notice.The ban encompasses yard debris burns, campfires and other prescribed or controlled burns. The purpose of the ban is to help reduce the strain on local fire departments and first responders as well as to help improve air quality for COVID-19 patients. (WSPA)
○ South Carolina’s Legislature will be in session on Wednesday to pass emergency measures to keep the state government operational into the fall and to make plans for returning later in the year. House members will be allowed to sit in the balcony reserved for visitors and lobbyists to maintain a safe distance. Only Senators and essential staff will be allowed in the Senate chamber. (The State)
○ Meal preparation has beensuspended at Hillcrest High School after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. Food prep was stopped at the site on Wednesday, April 1, for a 14-day quarantine period; the employee had not been to work since Monday, March 30. Other Greenville County School locations will handle the site’s responsibilities while it’s shut down. (WYFF 4)
○Bob Jones University is giving students the option of a credit/no credit grading system for the spring 2020 semester. Students can pick up to two classes to receive passing course credit provided they have a C- or better. Per the University, students should consult with academic advisors + review merit-based scholarship requirements prior to choosing this option.
○ March of Dimes is working to raise money to help expectant moms in our area get blood pressure cuffs to report readings to their telehealth nurses. A major component of prenatal care visits is regular monitoring of blood pressure. High blood pressure is a sign of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced hypertension, which is a life-threatening condition to both moms and babies. The organization has already donated over 130 blood pressure cuffs to Prisma Health.Click here to donate.
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).
We created a fun Instagram story template to highlight what we love most about Greenville + encourage our friends to do the same.
Here’s how it works: ○ Save the above template on your phone. ○ Share it on your Instagram story, circling your preferences and tagging three friends. Don’t forget to tag @gvltoday so we can see it, too! ○ Share a blank version of the template on your story so your followers can share it, too.
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #GVLtoday on social media.
WaterCooler ○ The Carolina Panthers have paid a reported $16 million to purchase land for a practice facility in York County that is scheduled to open in 2022. The 240-acre plot will not only hold the new practice facility but also an entertainment complex with restaurants and hotels. 🏈 (WSPA)
Listen ○ Are you missing jamming out at Piedmont Natural Gas’ Downtown Alive and Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union’s Main Street Fridays? On Sunday, the City of Greenville announced a virtual concert series: Sound Check. Local musicians will perform live on Facebook every Thursday and Friday night at 5:30p.m. starting this week. 🎤
Outdoors ○ Tomorrow night, April 8, a Pink Super Moon will be visible. This moon was named by Native Americans, because it coincided with the blooming of a natural ground cover called Phlox. The pink variety of Phlox was the first to bloom in the spring, and the Pink Moon was symbolic of growth and new beginnings. 🌕 (Only In Your State)
Civic ○ Help the City of Greenville’s Economic Development Department evaluate their procedures for permitting + land development. Complete this survey, so the City can provide better customer service and improve engagement and interaction. The Economic Development Department has had to modify normal operating procedures due to COVID-19 but is working to process applications as quickly as possible.
DealsOfTheDay ○Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy is offering 50% offany IVs. Appointments are required. Book online and use code 6am50off or call 864-991-8403 to make an appointment. Make sure you mention the GVLtoday deal. We’re eyeing ones that boost the immune system. Ⓟ ○Cameron Reynolds Photographyis offering 25% off photography for businesses and individuals through 8/14. She does everything from food to headshots to families and weddings. Email Cameron and mention the GVLtoday Deal of the Day. Ⓟ ○Keep the local wine flowing. City Scape Winery is offering free shipping + 10% off of any case (12 bottles) of local wine. Use code forgetcorona at checkout. Ⓟ ○ Spending time at home organizing? Samantha Grace is offering a BOGO deal on anything in their Deal of The Day section. Ⓟ
Correction ○Yesterday we told you that part of Gov. Henry McMaster’s update during his Friday afternoon press conference was that he was suspending short term rentals (hotels, Airbnbs, etc.). However, this does not include all short term rentals for everyone – it only applies to individuals traveling from coronavirus hotspots like New York. Short term rentals are not allowed by people traveling from those places. (WYFF 4)
Junior League of Greenville members | Photo provided
Let’s talk about an organization doing good in GVL. Junior League of Greenville (JLG) wasfounded in 1929 by 20 women with a shared goal to serve their community. 90 years later, the organization has contributed $3 million and countlessvolunteer hours to the community while expanding to 1,200 members.
Fitting with its mission to build a safe, healthy + nurturing community, JLG recently announced the addition of two new focus areas: fighting human trafficking + promoting economic mobility for women in the Upstate. They’ve partnered with Pendelton Place, The Family Effect, Jasmine Road and SWITCH in these new initiatives, which you can learn more about here.
In addition to these new focus areas, the organization has continued to offer programs like A Nearly New You to assist women with interview skills + attire, educational goals, safety and other resources to help them thrive.
Want to be a part of the important work JLG is doing? Follow them on Facebook + Instagram(@jlgreenville) and be on the lookout for recruitment info. You can also click here to fill out an interest form + learn more about membership.Ⓟ
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