As South Carolina opens beaches, some plan to keep restrictions

Beaches will not totally reopen in Charleston County, South Carolina — no matter what Gov. Henry McMaster says or does this week related to easing coronavirus restrictions. 

That’s what local officials said in a joint statement Sunday, a day after officials confirmed McMaster plans to reopen public beaches and ease retail restrictions this week.

Four Lowcountry coastal municipalities — Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, Folly Beach and Edisto Beach — “intend to maintain the entry checkpoints and access restrictions,” the statement reads.

“There is no evidence from medical professionals that indicates that the threat of COVID-19 in our region has diminished,” the joint statement said. “South Carolina is still in the acceleration phase and even with the reduction in growth of new cases, new cases could begin to grow quickly if social distancing restrictions are lifted.”

Charleston County Parks will also remain closed. 

On March 30, McMaster ordered the closure of public access to the state’s beaches as well as the closure of boat ramps and landings on lakes, rivers and waterways. At the time, McMaster said the closure was in response to people not observing social distancing and other official recommendations to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On Thursday, McMaster ordered the reopening of public boat ramps. It represents the first rollback of government-mandated restrictions on daily life since the coronavirus hit South Carolina.

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The boat ramp reopening prompted a call for the reopening of beaches to local citizens by Rep. Alan Clemmons, a Republican from Horry County. 

“It’s time to let the average coastal resident find a little solace from the stress of isolation by taking a walk on the beach,” he said in a Facebook post sharing the official letter sent to McMaster urging the reopening.

A phone call and email to the city of Myrtle Beach asking about beach access plans were not immediately returned Monday.

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