COLOMBIA – A Democratic state senator is asking Governor Henry McMaster to at least publicly threaten to close deals that openly violate social detachment guidelines and allow people to meet shoulder to shoulder while COVID-19 cases continue to rise in South Carolina.
Senator Dick Harpootlian offered his former rival a different approach to containing the spike: making it clear that the state public health agency can and will use the emergency powers provided for in state law to close facilities that allow events of the virus to spread over potential.
Focusing on the few “bad actors” who don’t even try to follow health guidelines could get South Carolina’s numbers under control without impacting entire segments of the economy, said the former Democratic state president.
“We still have options that do not reach a blockade,” wrote Harpootlian in a letter to the governor, the former Republican Party president. Failure to use these powers “jeopardizes other important goals, such as returning children to school and keeping the economy open to responsible and law-abiding companies”.
McMaster’s office did not respond directly to the letter. But his spokesman said that local authorities have the ability to disperse the crowds on their own.
Harpootlian released his letter as photos and videos of a biker rally outside a Murrells Inlet bar – Suck Bang Blow – circulated on social media showing a crowded crowd at a maskless party, including an open-air night show during the rescheduled event for the spring. While Murrells Inlet is in Georgetown County, the bar is just over the line in Horry County. Both counties approved mask warrants earlier this month that require the use of facial coverage inside companies, not outside.
“To call such an event in the name of profit was unwise. Allowing this in the first place is a failure of the government, ”wrote Harpootlian. “But it is not too late to prevent similar events in the future.”
Although McMaster eliminated most business restrictions more than two months ago, his orders still remain closed in concert halls, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts and sports centers for spectators of all kinds. But outdoor events, including those in drive-in cinemas, have circumvented these rules.
Like many Democrats, Harpootlian criticized McMaster’s reluctance to impose a masked mandate across the state.
McMaster also rejected calls to re-close bars and restaurants, or to end dinner services, opting to end alcohol sales after 11 pm, a restriction that went into effect on July 11.
The Republican governor publicly asked residents to wear masks, but he did not fulfill the mandate, calling it unenforceable. But he said it’s okay for local city and county councils to approve their own. More than 70 cities and counties have issued mask decrees covering almost half of South Carolina’s 5.1 million residents.
Likewise, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control considered it a threat to close companies that did not function well.
Despite the oppressive heat and the threat of the coronavirus, people participate in a scaled-down version of the Myrtle Beach spring bike rally, Friday, July 17, 2020, at Murrells Inlet. The event was scheduled for May, but was postponed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jason Lee / The Sun News via AP
“In fact, it comes down to being able to significantly impose any restrictions that DHEC may impose, with many bars across the state,” said DHEC acting director Marshall Taylor in an email to Harpootlian provided to the Post and Courier. “The best option really is for counties and municipalities to act, as they know their communities better and have the resources to enforce restrictions. We are looking for ways to encourage this approach.”
Asked on Monday about the switch, Taylor said he “welcomes Senator Harpootlian’s view”.
“DHEC continues to work closely with the governor’s office and local governments across the state, providing guidance and recommendations and emphasizing the importance of individual actions to prevent the spread of the virus,” he said, without answering specific questions. about the agency’s plans.
Harpootlian argues that the threat alone can be an effective deterrent, similar to speed limits. People control speed because they can be stopped and fined, not because they will do it whenever they drive faster than the set limit, he said.
He asked DHEC to at least issue warnings.
Harpootlian says that only DHEC can close bars and restaurants. But McMaster’s office points to the governor’s emergency statements since March, which specifically give local authorities the power to disperse people and charge anyone who refuses with a misdemeanor punishable by $ 100 or 30 days in prison.
These statements also guide DHEC to exercise its powers under the Emergency Health Powers Act to “prevent the transmission of infectious diseases”.
follow Seanna Adcox on Twitter at @seannaadcox_pc.