Recent social media posts about “700 New COVID-19 Cases in Myrtle Beach on Monday” have caused quite a stir. Most folks around here look forward to a beach getaway. Largely the destination is Myrtle Beach. So, we decided to do some fact-checking on these claims. Here are the Real Numbers and Facts.
Facts:
Myrtle Beach has been called a “hot spot” by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
COVID-19 cases in Horry County increased by 103, as of Tuesday afternoon. The latest posting has the number of cases at 1,417.
You can see by the chart, that is updated daily, there has been an increase in cases. So, the claim that 700 people were tested positive on Monday is clearly FALSE. In fact, they had more today than Monday (61). This also coincides with increased visitors and a large annual Memorial Day festival that attracts bikers from all over the country.
So, a reasonable person would have to ask, is Myrtle Beach the suspect or the victim?
Dining
South Carolina health officials have not forced restaurants to close if an employee tests positive for coronavirus.
Several Myrtle Beach restaurants recently announced they would be closed for cleaning after an employee tested positive for COVID-19. The restaurants include:
- Oscars in North Myrtle Beach
- Greg Norman’s at Barefoot Landing
- Molly Darcy’s in North Myrtle Beach
- Flamingo Grill in Myrtle Beach
- Pier 14 in Myrtle Beach
- Island Bar and Grill in Surfside Beach
- Hook & Barrel in Myrtle Beach
- Croissants Bisto and Bakery in Myrtle Beach
- Rockefella’s Raw Bar in North Myrtle
- Mr. Fish in Myrtle Beach has switched to curbside and to-go orders.
Travel Warnings
One county health department is warning citizens about vacations after three people tested positive for coronavirus after returning from Myrtle Beach. The health department in Preston County, West Virginia (near Morgantown) announced Wednesday that three people tested positive for COVID-19 after recent trips to Myrtle Beach.
No States have issued bans or recommendations not to travel to Myrtle Beach.
Our plans for you
We have reached out to the Mayors of Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach. In addition, we have contacted the Chambers of Commerce in both towns. Finally, we sent a group email to the entire Myrtle Beach City Council.
What is resulting are plans for a personal video chat with the members of SCDN. There are lots of people invited to the chat and we’ve received positive feedback. In fact, our suggestion made it onto the agenda of Myrtle Beach City Council today.
We will update you when we are able to get these leaders together for a personal chat with you.