As businesses reopen, McMaster urges SC to ‘be safe, but go’

South Carolina’s governor is urging residents to patronize local businesses shuttered for weeks during the coronavirus outbreak, albeit with appropriate safety precautions.

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Monday marks the date on which businesses like hair salons and fitness centers can reopen across the state, where more than 486,000 unemployment claims have been filed in the last two months.

New weekly claims have declined as McMaster has gradually lifted orders that had restricted businesses deemed nonessential in an effort to stem the spread of the virus, which as of Thursday afternoon had caused 371 known deaths in South Carolina, according to state public health officials.

Thus far, more than 8,100 positive tests for COVID-19 have been reported in the state.

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Local businesses reopening means some people can head back to work Local businesses reopening means some people can head back to work

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