Charleston City Council on Tuesday night voted to approve Mayor John Tecklenburg ‘s proposed emergency order saying residents should remain in their homes, unless necessary to leave, for a period of 14 days. The order was approved by a vote of 9-4.
The order, which will begin at 12:01 am on Thursday, March 26th, calls for residents to stay home, not travel through the city or “congregate in the streets, sidewalks, waterways, or public spaces in the City of Charleston.” Only “necessary” travel is allowed – this includes things like exercising (while maintaining social distancing) and going to the hospital, pharmacy, grocery store, or your place of employment (if you are working for an “essential service” as the ordinance also requires the closing of “non-essential” businesses).
You can see the full list of “essential services” in the image below (click for a larger copy). And yes, bars and restaurants would be considered “essential businesses” and can remain open. However, the must continue offering take-out and delivery only.
You can view the full ordinance here.
