Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune said she agrees with South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster’s decision to reopen some non-essential businesses and lift restrictions on beach access.
The process must be done carefully and methodically, however, Bethune told CNN.
Bethune said her city sees between 18 million and 20 million visitors a year, and businesses cannot afford to stay closed long-term.
“They are hurting so badly right now. And that is exactly why we are taking this approach of a very well thought out plan, one that does include the businesses, and, you know, it just is not a cookie cutter approach.” Bethune said.
Despite South Carolina not meeting the White House’s reopening guidelines, McMaster announced that some stores would be allowed to open at 20% capacity or five people per 1,000 square feet. Beaches were allowed to reopen on Tuesday.
Bethune did not directly address the guidelines, but said in order to balance reopening the economy with public health, each community needs to access their situation individually.
“I think that we have to look at our individual communities and not the state as a whole because every community, every county is different,” Bethune said. “We’re looking at what is right for our area, our businesses, and we want to welcome our visitors back, but we want it to be safe when we do,” she added.
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