Coronavirus updates May 25: Fatal shooting follows Myrtle Beach mayor's calls for action

May 25--On Sunday, Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune announced that the city was working out details on a plan that leaders hope will combat the gang violence that shook the area the last two weekends.

Mere hours later, there was another shooting.

While there's few details on the nature of the shooting that left one detained and another dead early Monday morning, it was another black eye on what was otherwise playing out as a calm Memorial Day weekend. The victim was identified as a man from Greenwood, though the suspect had not been named as of noon Monday.

Bethune confirmed to The Sun News that Monday's shooting was also gang-related and from people "outside of our borders."

"We will not tolerate violence and we are resolved to end this unlawful behavior," Bethune told The Sun News on Sunday prior to the third shooting in two weeks. "If you cannot come here and respect our laws and our community, then stay home or go to jail."

Follow along here today as we bring you the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area.

Breaking news & more

Sign up for one of our many newsletters to be the first to know when big news breaks

SIGN UP

Horry County had six new confirmed coronavirus cases but no additional deaths from the disease, according to a Sunday release from the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

This brings the Myrtle Beach area's total to 377 cases and 21 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic. Georgetown County has 60 cases and three deaths total.

Across the state, South Carolina's confirmed cases continue to grow. The totals reached 1,096 cases and 435 deaths.

While cases totals are increasing, a majority of South Carolinians who contracted the virus have recovered. DHEC reports an 85 percent recovery rate as of Sunday afternoon.

Today's takeaways

-- An "umbrellas-only" policy in the City of Myrtle Beach took effect Monday. Tents and canopies will not be permitted through Labor Day, and umbrellas must be 7 1/2 feet or smaller in diameter and must be in line with or behind the established umbrella line.

-- Today is free fishing day in freshwater, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. S.C. residents will not need a fishing license to do so in the state's freshwater today.

-- Tuesday will be the first open day of 2020 for the Farmer's Market in Surfside Beach, where you can find fresh, locally-grown produce and handmade crafts. The Farmer's Market is located at Memorial Park on Surfside Drive, right by the Library, and will be open every Tuesday until October, weather permitting.

-- Myrtle Waves water park opened Saturday in Myrtle Beach, with its sister park, Wild Water & Wheels, set to open next Saturday. Other attractions have the go-ahead to open and others, such as the SkyWheel (which opened Monday) and Family Kingdom (June 1), have already announced reopening dates.

--

If you're planning to be out and about in Myrtle Beach this weekend, here's your guide to traveling around the city.

--

Summer camps across Horry County will look different this year. Some local municipalities plan to hold camps, while some are holding off on activities.

--

Stickers may begin popping up to indicate which Myrtle Beach area businesses pledged to follow public health recommendations designed to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Wash your hands & happy Memorial Day

Happy Memorial Day!

Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands often and practice social distancing. Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, health officials say. It's also important to practice social distancing as those guidelines are still in place.

If you're planning to head out to the beach, the pool or to see the sights this weekend, check out the Myrtle Beach forecast here.

___

(c)2020 The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)

Visit The Sun News (Myrtle Beach, S.C.) at www.thesunnews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.