South Carolina plans to reopen state beaches, retail stores this week

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. -- South Carolina retail stores and public beach access points that had been closed to halt the spread of the coronavirus will be allowed to reopen this week, The Post and Courier reported.

Gov. Henry McMaster will issue orders Monday to allow for the reopenings to take place on Tuesday, the governor's chief of staff, Trey Walker, told the newspaper.

Additionally, South Carolina State Senator Stephen Goldfinch (R) took to Facebook on Saturday with a simple message, "Beach Access being reopened next week."

RELATED: Some North Carolina public beaches begin to reopen

Beach access has been closed since March 30 when South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made an executive order.

The order will apply to numerous nonessential stores, including department stores, flea markets, florists, bookstores and music shops.

WPDE reports that the Governor will make the decision publicly next week citing the Governor's Chief of Staff.

McMaster has eyed reopening the state by the end of the month and expects the state's economy t be "humming" by the end of June.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores and medical facilities have been allowed to stay open during the pandemic.

The footage used in this article is from a previous story, stay tuned for an updated video.