As more businesses in SC slowly begin reopening, we’ve heard from readers with questions + concerns about when life might start getting back to normal. Today, we wanted to check in with you about how you’re feeling – and when you’ll personally feel ready to step back into restaurants, movie theaters, concert venues + more. We’ve created a short poll to collect your feedback, and we’ll share the results in a newsletter next week. And thanks to The Hustle for this article, which inspired us.

Here’s where we’re at:

○ Governor McMaster’s “home or work” order, established on April 7, was lifted on Monday, May 4.

○ On April 20, Governor McMaster announced the creation of accelerateSC. This volunteer organization has been working to “identify issues, solutions, and assets necessary for a phased revitalization path for South Carolina’s economy, guided by healthcare and medical data.”

○ Retail stores that were closed pursuant to Executive Order 2020-18 were allowed to reopen on April 20 with occupancy limited in these businesses to five customers per 1,000 sq. ft. of retail space or 20% occupancy, whichever is less.

○ Governor McMaster cancelled his executive order that closed all beaches on April 21, allowing local mayors + governments to determine the best time to reopen their beaches.

○ On April 22, the Governor announced South Carolina schools would not be reopening for the remainder of the school year.

○ State parks reopened to the public in a limited capacity on May 1 + Greenville’s Mayor Knox White lifted restrictions on Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge on May 9.

○ Restaurants were allowed to open for limited capacity patio dining on May 4 and resume indoor dining (limited to 50% capacity) on May 11 with these restrictions.

○ On May 8, all restrictions on boating statewide were lifted.

Check out this infographic from The New York Times detailing South Carolina’s restrictions + reopenings in comparison to the number of daily cases of COVID-19.

Here’s what’s up next:

○ On May 12, Governor Henry McMaster extended South Carolina’s state of emergency by issuing another executive order. The order allows officials to take “additional proactive action,” continues inmate visitation suspension + implements protective measures for first responders.

○ Close contact services, such as barber shops, hair salons, waxing and threading salons, nail salons, tanning salons, massage therapy establishments, and tattoo parlors, will be allowed to reopen in a limited capacity on Monday, May 18.

○ Fitness and exercise centers, commercial gyms, and public or commercial pools will also be allowed to open in a limited capacity on May 18.

○ State government employees will return to their places of work no later than June 3.

○ Governor McMaster signed legislation this week allowing all SC voters to vote absentee in the upcoming primary elections on June 9.

That’s what we’re allowed to do. But what will you actually be comfortable doing as restrictions continue to lift? We want to hear from you. Take our survey below (now through Tuesday, May 19) to share your thoughts on when it will be safe to do things like eat at restaurants, enjoy an outdoor concert, or travel.