COLUMBIA, SC (FOX Carolina) – South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster will declare a state of emergency throughout the state to enhance the state’s response to the COVID-19 virus’ impact, according to a news release from his office.

McMaster will also order schools to close in Kershaw and Lancaster counties, the only areas where there is evidence of community spread of the virus.

Schools will be closed for 14 days.

Additional actions to be included in the governor’s executive order:

All state government offices shall remain open for operation during their normal business hourVisitation at state and local correctional facilities in all 46 counties shall be suspended immediatelyDHEC shall immediately restrict visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities with the exception of end of life situationsState price gouging laws shall go into effect immediatelyThe State Emergency Management Plan shall be activated

The CDC has confirmed 6 cases of COVID-19 in SC and another 6 people are awaiting official confirmation with presumptive positive results.

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