Governor Henry McMaster continues to expand upon executive orders

In the first month of 2021, Governor Henry McMaster has issued more than seven executive orders relating them to his previous executive order that was issued back in April 2020.

On Apr. 27, 2020, Governor McMaster issued executive order 2020-29 which declares a state of emergency in the response to COVID-19.

According to law, the governor can declare a state of emergency up to 15 days. While the state of emergency lasts 15 days, the governor has the power at anytime to rescind the executive orders he has issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then Governor McMaster has issued more than 15 orders leading up to the most recent one: Executive Order No. 2021 -07 on Jan. 22 effective immediately until Feb. 6 2021.

The orders require that all persons entering a commercial establishment in the city must wear a face covering while inside.

Additionally, all restaurants, retail, salon, grocery store and pharmacy employees must wear a face covering while having face to face interaction with the public.

First responder protections from Executive Order 2020-44, state that all emergency dispatchers are authorized to ask callers whether anyone in the caller’s house has tested positive for COVID-19 and South Carolina’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan.