News and Announcements

Following the announcements yesterday from the White House and the South Carolina Governor’s Office, Horry County Council has declared a localized state of emergency, effective at noon today, to adopt emergency ordinances to meet public emergencies affecting life, health, safety or the property of the people in our area. The declaration will remain in effect for sixty (60) days unless sooner terminated by resolution by County Council.

In addition, the County is moving to Operating Condition Level OPCON 2. This allows us to activate the Emergency Operations Plan as necessary. At this time, the Emergency Operations Center is not open. County offices remain operational on a normal schedule, but we encourage folks to make transactions online where possible. 

We still have no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Horry County. 

This declaration is made out of an abundance of caution to allow the County to respond quickly as this situation evolves. By declaring a state of emergency, it allows local government to mobilize resources, to better monitor the virus, to strengthen our ability to respond and assist, and to proactively take measures to protect our residents and visitors. 

As needed, the County has the ability to take measures such as closing certain facilities, postponing events, and modifying employee work plans to slow the spread of the disease and reduce the number of cases. Any updates to our current normal operations will be communicated through our website and social media feeds. 

Horry County Government continues to monitor updates on the COVID-19 virus and plan for possible impacts within Horry County. The Horry County Emergency Management Department is in close contact with local and state governments, agencies and stakeholders and is following guidance from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Horry County at this time.

Currently, the County is in a planning phase for possible impacts from the COVID-19 virus and is developing contingency plans to keep core functions of government and public safety operational should conditions change within Horry County. This is in line with guidance from state and federal partners. Such plans also include the potential for limiting public hours at County buildings and offices, the cancellation of County sponsored events, and the closure of County offices.

County officials remind residents and visitors to practice proper risk reduction measures including:
- Frequent hand-washing (at least 20 seconds)
- Using hand sanitizer regularly
- Coughing and sneezing into the crux of one’s elbow
- Avoid touching your face
- Staying home when sick

County officials will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with our local and state partners.

If you have questions regarding the virus itself, please visit the SCDHEC website or the CDC website, or call the SCDHEC Care Line at: 1-855-472-3432.

Horry County Emergency Management and Public Safety partners are monitoring the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, as it continues to spread globally.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in Horry County, or in South Carolina.

Following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), County officials would like to remind residents and visitors to practice good hygienic measures, such as:

• Washing hands properly and often
• Using hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not an option
• Coughing and sneezing into the crux of one’s elbow
• Staying home when sick

Simple, proactive measures such as these will go a long way in preventing the spread of COVID-19, but also the seasonal flu.

County officials will continue to monitor conditions and follow the guidance of our state partners at DHEC.