NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
April 1, 2020

Non-essential businesses in South Carolina to temporarily close
Executive order effective today at 5 p.m.

COLUMBIA, S.C. - In response to the announced temporary closure of non-essential businesses in the state, S.C. Commerce has expanded its online resources to assist companies in navigating the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Gov. Henry McMaster yesterday issued Executive Order 2020-17, directing the temporary closure of non-essential businesses, including venues, facilities, services and activities for public use, throughout the state to combat the spread of COVID-19. The executive order goes into effect at 5:00 p.m. today.

A detailed listing of businesses categorized as non-essential that will be closed as a result of the executive order is available on S.C. Commerce's COVID-19 business resources page.

Businesses that need further clarification after reviewing the non-essential businesses listing MUST complete the Clarification of Business Designation Form on S.C. Commerce's website. The COVID-19 response team will respond to business inquiries submitted online within 24 hours.

Please note: The COVID-19 response team will only provide clarification on the categorization of non-essential businesses. Businesses explicitly addressed in the executive order should follow that directive.

S.C. Commerce is committed to continue supporting the business community with access to resources.

About S.C. Department of Commerce
As South Carolina's leading economic development agency, the Department of Commerce works to recruit new businesses and help existing business grow. S.C. Commerce has recruited world-class companies to South Carolina such as BMW, Boeing, Continental, Giti Tire, LPL Financial Holdings, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Samsung, Toray and Volvo Cars and also supports startups, small and existing business, innovation and rural development initiatives. S.C. Commerce partners with the S.C. Technical College System via readySC to support workforce training and recruiting, and with the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, which provides worker training and employment opportunities within the state. With a strong international footprint, the Palmetto State has consistently been among the top in the nation for attracting jobs through investment on a per capita basis. Additionally, the state has won the Gold or Silver Shovel Award from Area Development magazine every year since 2011. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Alex Clark, CMP
Director of Marketing & Communications
South Carolina Department of Commerce
(803) 737-1998
aclark@sccommerce.com
www.SCcommerce.com