As time goes on, we’re getting glimpses of life returning to something close to normal all around the country. Myrtle Beach, as with nearly every other community in the world, has gone through its own journey of closures, restrictions, and other changes as a result of COVID-19.
News is ever-changing, however. When in doubt, for traveling to and within Myrtle Beach, or wherever you live, it’s best to check with the Center for Disease Control for the latest guidelines regarding social distancing and staying safe amid this pandemic.
Those of us here in Myrtle Beach, just like those of you who are eager to return to Myrtle Beach, have kept a close eye on three aspects of life especially:
- Golf sources
- Hotels
- Restaurants
Why the uncertainty?
Communities everywhere are trying to balance opening their economies as soon as possible – while also keeping people who live and visit there safe. Not all towns are the same, and the nature of businesses and activities often dictate complex decision making to determine whether they should open – and under what guidelines.
Here are the latest updates on what we can, can’t, should, and shouldn’t do as it pertains to having fun in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach golf courses are open
The Pro Golfers Association Carolinas Section has, with guidance from the CDC, established recommendations for golf during early phases of re-opening, including:
- Encouraging golfers to pay in advance for tee times by credit card, online, or by phone.
- Consider increasing intervals for tee times to spread players out on course
- Myrtle Beach Golf Courses are open (There are currently 4 golf courses still closed until 5/31/2020)
- Direct players to leave pins in cups. Courses are encouraged to raise the cup as much as an inch above the green surface and count the shot when the ball hits it.
Source: https://carolinas.pga.com/covid-19/covid-19-best-practices/
Myrtle Beach hotels and resorts are open
City council voted to open hotels and resorts while observing social distancing practices. Elevator occupancy will be limited, and enhanced cleaning procedures are encouraged.
Check with specific properties regarding new or existing reservations.
Hospitality.net, with guidance from the CDC, has recommended safety measures for hotel management, including:
- Switching to disinfectant products the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against emerging viral pathogens. EPA approved disinfectants should be used in guest rooms, health-club areas, meeting rooms, and public spaces.
- A disinfectant should be added when washing laundry, and bed scarfs and bedspreads should be washed more frequently.
- Housekeeping should be training in disinfectant use, wear gloves when cleaning, and leave cleaning products on surfaces for several minutes. Follow product instructions for the best results. Routine cleaning should be scheduled for all contact surfaces.
- Myrtle Beach Hotels/Resorts Reopen – Resorts are protecting staff and guests to keep everyone safe.
Source: https://www.hospitalitynet.org/opinion/4097377.html
Restaurants are open for pickup, delivery, outdoor dining and partial indoor.
Many Myrtle Beach restaurants stayed open for pickup, delivery, or both during early phases of social distancing. Others shut down completely.
Check specific restaurant websites for details. As outdoor dining is permitted in Myrtle Beach, restaurants are implementing social distancing measures specific to their property.
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration, with guidance from the CDC, has recommended safety measures for restaurant management, including:
- A 4-step process for food safety:
- Clean hands and food-prep surfaces
- Separate raw meat from other foods
- Cook to the appropriate temperature
- Chill foods promptly
- Wash, rinse, and sanitize food contact surfaces dishware, utensils, food preparation surfaces, and beverage equipment after use.
- Discontinuing operations that require customers to use common utensils or dispensers, such as beverage-service stations, buffets, salad bars, and buffets.