Declaration of State of Emergency – COVID-19 (Executive Order No. 2020-08 of Governor of South Carolina)

Section 1. I hereby memorialize and confirm my prior activation of the Plan and direct that the Plan be further placed into effect and that all prudent preparations be taken at the individual, local, and state levels to proactively prepare for and promptly respond to the threat posed by COVID-19.

Section 2. I hereby order and direct that DHEC is immediately vested with those emergency powers set forth in the Emergency Health Powers Act, codified as amended in Title 44, Chapter 4 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, and without limiting the powers DHEC already possesses to combat infectious diseases, to promptly and effectively address the cited public health emergency. In accordance with section 44-4-500 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, “DHEC must use every available means to prevent the transmission of infectious disease and to ensure that all cases of infectious disease are subject to proper control Executive Order No. 2020-08 Page 3 March 13, 2020 and treatment.” To this end, I further direct DHEC to restrict visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the exception of end-of-life situations, as DHEC deems necessary and appropriate.

Section 3. I hereby order the closure of all public schools, to include state-supported colleges, universities, and technical colleges, in the following counties: Kershaw and Lancaster, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, which shall remain closed for a period of fourteen (14) days, unless otherwise modified, amended, or rescinded. This Order applies to all employees of public schools located in the aforementioned counties, with the exception of those emergency or other critical personnel designated as essential, or whose presence is otherwise deemed necessary, by the appropriate school district official. DHEC shall consult with the Superintendent of Education to provide guidance to local school district leadership regarding the timing and necessity of any additional school closures. This Order does not apply to state government offices under the authority of the undersigned, which shall remain open for operation during their normal business hours unless and until otherwise directed.

Section 4. I hereby authorize and direct state correctional institutions and local detention facilities to suspend visitation processes and procedures, as necessary, during this State of Emergency.

Section 5. I hereby place specified units and/or personnel of the South Carolina National Guard on State Active Duty, pursuant to section 25-1-1840 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, and direct the Adjutant General to issue the requisite supplemental orders as he deems necessary and appropriate. I further order the activation of South Carolina National Guard personnel and the utilization of appropriate equipment at the discretion of the Adjutant General, and in coordination with the Director of EMD, to take necessary and prudent actions to assist the people of this State. I authorize Dual Status Command, as necessary, to allow the Adjutant General or his designee to serve as commander over both federal (Title 10) and state forces (National Guard in Title 32 and/or State Active Duty status).

Section 6. I hereby order that all licensing and registration requirements regarding private security personnel or companies who are contracted with South Carolina security companies in protecting property and restoring essential services in South Carolina shall be suspended, and I direct the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (“SLED”) to initiate an emergency registration process for those personnel or companies for a period specified, and in a manner deemed appropriate, by the Chief of SLED.

Section 7. I hereby declare that the prohibitions against price gouging pursuant to section 39-5-145 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as amended, are in effect and shall remain in effect for the duration of this State of Emergency. Executive Order No. 2020-08 Page 4 March 13, 2020

Section 8. I hereby modify and amend Executive Order No. 2020-07, pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 390.23 and section 56-5-70 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, to extend the provisions thereof to commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles responding to the declared emergency in the State of South Carolina or otherwise assisting with the public health threat posed by COVID-19, as well as to commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles transporting essential goods and products, such as food, water, medicine, medical supplies and equipment, fuels and petroleum products (to include fuel oil, diesel oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, and liquid petroleum), livestock, poultry, feed for livestock and poultry, and crops and other agricultural products ready to be harvested (to include timber and wood chips). This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for a period of fifteen (15) days unless otherwise modified, amended, or rescinded by subsequent Order. Further proclamations, orders, and directives deemed necessary to ensure the fullest possible protection of life and property during this State of Emergency shall be issued verbally by the undersigned and thereafter reduced to writing and published for dissemination within the succeeding 24-hour period. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 13th DAY OF MARCH, 2020. HENRY MCMASTER Governor ATTEST: __________________________ MARK HAMMOND Secretary of State