There have been at least 150 positive cases of coronavirus in Horry County announced since mid March by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Employment is suffering as a result of this.
Following last-week’s shelter-in-place order South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster ordered all residents to remain home except for trips for necessary goods, traveling to work, caring for loved ones or recreation. According to MyrtleBeachOnline.com, Horry County’s economy continues to slow as more restrictions are put in place, leading the Myrtle Beach area to file more unemployment claims than any other county in SC.
“There were 10,098 initial unemployment claims filed, up from 9,672 the week before,” reports the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, citing that while more than $18 million in unemployment payments have already been made countless people still need aid. As businesses struggle to stay afloat, certain industries like hospitality and food face very harsh conditions. For example, while construction has been deemed an essential service, Horry County predicts staggered development of new homes and potential layoffs for construction workers.