Scioto Commissioners Discuss Locals' Trips to Myrtle Beach Amid COVID-19 Spike

The Scioto County Daily News reported on June 25 that Scioto County Commissioner Cathy Coleman questioned whether recent cases of COVID-19 in Scioto are actually connected to travel. She said, “I find it hard to believe that they can identify that they picked it up on their trip.”

The County Daily News also reported “Commissioner Coleman said she understands that the family who traveled to Myrtle Beach were all tested for COVID-19 and only half of them tested positive. She said the husband had COVID-19 but the wife tested negative.”

(Cyn Mackley. “Coleman Doubts Myrtle Beach COVID Link.”

The Scioto Clounty Daily News. June 25, 2020.)

According to Coleman it’s possible the family picked up the virus in Myrtle Beach but there are plenty of other possibilities as well. “Who knows if they got it from here before they left?” She pointed out that travelers would stop at restaurants, hotels, and gas stations on the way to Myrtle Beach and back.

Coleman's doubts about the transmission seem to oppose the view of Scioto County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Martin who blamed travelers to Myrtle and Daytona Beach for a recent spike in Coronavirus cases this week. The County Daily News reported, “Cases held steady for some time, but nine new cases were reported since Monday.”

Coleman continued, “I have a home there. I was there recently. It's not in Myrtle Beach but I can assure you the businesses and the people there were actually going by the guidelines, I think, more than here. Everywhere you went people were social distancing and wearing their masks. Then I come back here and I see multiple people not following the same guidelines.”

Commissioner Bryan Davis added: “What we don't know exactly is what there people did. Were they dancing? Were they hanging out with other people? Who knows?”

Coleman also questioned policies regarding quarantine. She asked why the wife who tested negative and showed no symptoms was also quarantined, but added, “That’s my opinion.”

The Reality

This week, Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach mayors are considering implementing laws to further combat the spread of the virus. Greenville and Columbia have recently passed emergency ordinances requiring people wear face masks in public places and in some businesses. As Horry County saw its single-day record of coronavirus cases shattered Wednesday, June 24, (The state Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reported 183 new cases, topping Tuesday's record of 133 cases.) at least six states are warning their residents about visiting Myrtle Beach.

Right now, wearing a mask in cities and towns along the Grand Strand remains optional. But on July 2, Myrtle Beach city council members are expected to discuss a mask ordinance during a workshop. Myrtle Beach city council member Gregg Smith said he thinks a mask mandate should come to Myrtle Beach.

“I think in the long run, wearing a mask to tamp the pandemic down is probably the best solution that we have right now,” Smith said.

(Katherine Phillips. “Myrtle Beach leaders to discuss possible mask mandate during July 2 meeting.” WMBF News, Myrtle Beach. June 25, 2020.)

According to DHEC’s numbers, Horry County’s seven-day average is about 131.43 cases per day. The daily rate has nearly tripled (196%) over the last three weeks and up about 858% from four weeks ago.

Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach have had several employees in quarantine due to exposure to the virus. As of June 24, Myrtle Beach has 43 employees in quarantine, with seven of those testing positive, City Spokesperson Mark Kruea said. In North Myrtle Beach, 16 are out on quarantine with various return dates, City Spokesperson Pat Dowling said, noting that five employees have tested positive for the virus since its inception in March.

(Anna Young. “‘Do something’: South Carolina, Myrtle Beach area leaders slow to react to COVID-19 surge.” myrtlebeachonline. June 25, 2020.)

This outbreak has drawn warnings from Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky and Gov. Jim Justice, R-W.Va, who said …

“If you are thinking of going to Myrtle Beach, rethink what you are doing and everything. The other thing is if you have been, go get tested.”

Belmont County, Ohio, health officials say 20 people were infected on a high school trip to Myrtle Beach. “We’re still having people think it’s a hoax,” said Rob Sproul, who’s Belmont County’s deputy health commissioner. “We still have people thinking they don’t need to wear a mask.”

In addition, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have issued a joint travel advisory on June 24, requiring anyone coming from nine states, including the Carolinas, to quarantine for 14 days.

On a person note, my niece now lives and has lived in Pawley's Island for many years. She reported on June 25 the following:

“ I live less then a half a mile as the crow flies from Litchfield Beach...the beaches were packed Memorial Day weekend and will be packed again July 4th...very few are wearing masks AND the highest median age of those infected are between the ages of 18-30 as they are not practicing social distance. I personally know the stories of people infected here … and the restaurants that have had employees infected some closing … some staying open. UNTIL you are resident of a beach community with high infection rate, it really hard to take a stand on media...But hey … come on down if you like to gamble with your life and your families and neighbors lives … smh”

She also said …

“I dont think the beaches are packed hourly. I think especially during the holidays BUT everyone is tired of complying to the rules and wants a break. I totally understand that … i'm tired of wearing the mask and not being able to just go see a friend.

“When people go on vacation they want to be able to relax and they do 90 percent of the time without the requirements that should be taken. The other morning I went to the local gas station to get my gas. It is a tiny one with a limit of 13 customers and there were 9 there including me – me being the only one wearing a mask. Customers were lined up with the beers and wine coolers getting their cigarettes, in groups laughing and dressed in beach gear getting ready to purchase their ice and essentials. Did I feel safe? No...but did I leave? No. I needed gas so I could go to work. So i go out and spray everything including my shoe treads, keys, cars … then take off gloves...hand sanitize again just in case. It's tiring and honestly it's probably not enough.”

“Honestly probably not enough” – that phrase sticks in my head as I consider the risks of going to Myrtle Beach in the middle of a pandemic. I love my niece, and I pray she and the rest of her family make it through this surge of cases unharmed. The vacation paradise is experiencing a terrible outbreak right now. I would hope anyone even considering traveling there would take all proper precautions. Then again, considering the swell of population, the excitement of beach goers, and their lack of consideration for the virus … a prayer is “honestly probably not enough.”