Non-essential businesses in South Carolina to temporarily close 

Executive order effective April 1, 2020 at 5 p.m.

In response to the announced temporary closure of non-essential businesses in the state, S.C. Commerce has expanded its online resources to assist companies in navigating the impacts of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Gov. Henry McMaster yesterday issued Executive Order 2020-17, directing the temporary closure of non-essential businesses, including venues, facilities, services and activities for public use, throughout the state to combat the spread of COVID-19. The executive order goes into effect at 5:00 p.m. April 1, 2020.

A detailed listing of businesses categorized as non-essential that will be closed as a result of the executive order is available on S.C. Commerce’s COVID-19 business resources page.

Businesses that need further clarification after reviewing the non-essential businesses listing MUST complete the Clarification of Business Designation Form on S.C. Commerce’s website. The COVID-19 response team will respond to business inquiries submitted online within 24 hours.

Please note: The COVID-19 response team will only provide clarification on the categorization of non-essential businesses. Businesses explicitly addressed in the executive order should follow that directive.

S.C. Commerce is committed to continue supporting the business community with access to resources.