Numerous actions have been taken to address the crisis caused by the spread of the new coronavirus:

• Gov. McMaster issued a “home or work” executive order effective April 8. It requires all citizens of South Carolina to stay home unless they are working, obtaining necessary goods or services, visiting family or engaging in outdoor recreation.

This is a mandatory requirement, with criminal penalties (30 days in jail and/or $100 fine for each day of violation).

The order also includes social distancing requirements for businesses that remain open – they must operate at 20% capacity (maximum) or 5 people per 1,000 square feet.

• SCDOT is prepping a former Midlands hotel as a possible surge site for corona virus cases.

• President Trump issued his 5th Presidential Memorandum providing federal support for governors’ use of the National Guard in Title 32 to respond to covid-19.

• Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services updated recommendations to postpone non-essential surgeries and other procedures.

• US is purchasing the ID Now covid-19 rapid point-of-care test, developed by Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough Inc., for state, territorial and tribal public health labs.

• The EPA identified approximately 225,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment that they will donate to state and local responders.

• The CDC updated its information on social distancing, isolation and quarantine.

• Treasury is seeking $250 billion to replenish the Paycheck Protection Program’s funds.

• The Army is suspending the arrival of fresh recruits at boot camp for at least 2 weeks to help slow the spread of coronavirus.

• Public schools are closed through the end of April.

• Universities are ending their semesters online.

• The state tax deadline has been delayed until July 15.

• The Chief Justice has halted all evictions.

• The South Carolina General Assembly and Governor McMaster have allocated $45 million to the Department of Health and Environmental Control to combat covid-19.

• The Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing implemented procedures to issue temporary licenses for out-of-state physicians, physician assistants, nurses and respiratory care practitioners without fee for 90 days.

• SC DNR issued guidance on hunting and fishing during the “home or work” order. Both activities are permitted, with some restrictions.

• The University of South Carolina launched a relief fund for students affected by the corona virus. To donate, either log on to UofSC’s donations website at https://bit.ly/2xaWM7v.

Read more about South Carolina’s response to the covid-19 pandemic in the full policy brief at https://imph.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/IMPH-NC-IOM-COVID-19-Issue-Brief-5.pdf.