Governor Henry McMaster expands non-essential businesses list and suspends short term rentals for people from "hotspots"

SC Governor Henry McMaster announced that he is expanding his list of non-essential businesses which must close as a result of the coronavirus health emergency.  In a news conference this afternoon, the governor said the businesses on the new list must close by 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 6.  They include furniture stores; home furnishing stores; clothing stores; shoe and clothing accessory stores; jewelry stores; luggage and leather goods stores; department stores, florists; sporting goods stores; book stores; and craft and music stores.  The governor announced a second executive order today which immediately suspends short-term rentals to people coming into the state from CDC-identified hotspots.  He said no new rentals, indefinitely, for hotels, short-term rentals, motels, vacation homes, resorts and timeshare companies, with exemptions for necessary medical, military and other essential personnel.  The governor said today’s orders were part of his “deliberate, steady approach” to keep the people of this state safe.  The full orders (numbers 2020-18 and 2020-19) will be posted at https://governor.sc.gov/executive-branch/executive-orders later today.