myrtle beach coronavirus

Myrtle Beach Expected to Be At 100 Percent Occupancy By May

As businesses begin to reopen and more people get vaccinated, it seems as though a return to “normal” is getting closer. Myrtle Beach officials are hoping to get businesses back to 100 percent occupancy by May.

Starting on April 1st, gyms, recreation centers and pools in Myrtle Beach can open to 75 percent occupancy. In addition, many government buildings throughout the city including City Hall and the City Services Building will also reopen on April 1st.

However, many of the buildings set to reopen will have their own protocols that visitors must abide by such as mask mandates and temperature checks.

Mark Kruea, Public Information Director for the City of Myrtle Beach, said that even though things are beginning to open up, everyone should still be vigilant. Kruea said “We need to be mindful that COVID still exists. There are still cases being reported, that you can still spread it to your friends and family or they can give it to you for that matter. The masks are still a good idea. They are still required in indoor facilities, including in restaurants through March.”

If cases continue to decline, Kruea hopes to open up to 100 percent occupancy by May.

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City of Myrtle Beach Loses 53 Employees

Due to the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 53 employees of the city of Myrtle Beach have decided to leave their jobs.

Most of the employees are a part of a voluntary severance program that began in June. The voluntary severance package will provide employees their salaries for a quarter of a year as well as medical coverage through the end of the year.

In addition to those individuals voluntarily leaving the city, 10 employees were laid off by the city – all of whom will receive the same severance package.

This decision follows a season of significant decline in tourism to the city of Myrtle Beach. The subsequent decrease in revenue has caused salary cuts to city employees – a move that is expected to save the city around $1.3 million.

City Manager John Pedersen cited the ongoing financial impact of the pandemic saying, “Every employer in the Grand Strand has faced this as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “It’s not any easier for us than it is for them.”

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Myrtle Beach Invitational Will Not Take Place In Myrtle Beach

With uncertainty surrounding the safety of playing sports during the current pandemic, a variety of sports organizations have made the difficult decision to postpone or cancel sporting events altogether. The Myrtle Beach Invitational, which was typically held at Coastal Carolina University, will not be held along the Grand Strand this year.

The Myrtle Beach Invitational is a Division I college basketball tournament, usually taking place in November and featuring a variety of basketball teams from across the nation. This year’s tournament would have featured promising teams like the University of Nebraska, University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Missouri.

The cancellation of the Myrtle Beach Invitational will not only bring a hit to basketball fans but also to the city of Myrtle Beach itself.

It is estimated that the invitational brings in around $2 million in sports tourism every year. With tourism to the city already taking a hit, this will inevitably cause more uncertainty for many businesses who were counting on the increased revenue.

As many basketball teams have been pulling out of the invitational, it is uncertain whether or not the invitational will take at all.

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A Surge in COVID-19 Cases Results in United Airlines Suspending Flights

Last week United Airlines announced they will be suspending service to Myrtle Beach due to the recent spike in coronavirus cases. This is set to be enforced starting July 6th. Over the course of May and June, Myrtle Beach saw a surge of visitors, likely due to the change in weather. Passenger counts were up over 400% since the previous month. While this would normally be a good thing for the coastal town, it now means having to close their doors for the second wave of coronavirus.

Myrtle Beach is reporting single-day numbers of 133 new cases. The city isn’t alone, as South Carolina has seen spikes in all major cities.

United Airlines’ decision comes in accordance with the CARES Act grant, which facilitates employees to be paid through Sept. 30. The airline claims they will be returning service for the spring and summer of 2021 so long as there’s demand.

The Horry County Department is keeping a close eye as they monitor these changes. As for now, United Airlines won’t be an option for folks looking for a Myrtle Beach getaway. Your best bet for hitting the beach this summer might be by road trip.