At a press conference today, Governor Henry McMaster issued a mandatory home or work order.
Specifically, the order means that people may only be at home or at work, unless they are visiting family, exercising, or obtaining essential goods or services.
Those who break the mandatory home-or-work order will be charged with a misdemeanor, resulting in 30 days in jail and/or a $100 fine.
Gov. McMaster said that it was time to take this step as the rates of infection and non-compliance jumped sharply last week.
"We've asked, we've urged, we've suggested... but the last week or so has shown that it's not enough," McMaster said.
Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist, reported an accelerated rate of new infections in South Carolina over the last week.
Last week had an average of 187 new COVID-19 cases per day, while the previous week had 90 new cases per day.
The surge was expected as tests have become more readily available and as South Carolina approaches the apex of coronavirus.
Gov. McMaster clarified that they are not closing any additional businesses, but there will be new mandates on retail stores.
Stores must now limit customers to no more than five customers per 1000 square feet or 20% of their posted capacity in a store, whichever is less.
Officials reminded the CDC now recommends wearing cloth masks in public.
The CDC says not to buy cloth masks but to use home materials to create a simple mask.
Gov. McMaster said he is confident the home or work order is legal and constitutional and in the best interests of families.
The order will go into effect on April 7th at 5:00 PM.