By Ray Rivera and Patrick Phillips | May 1, 2020 at 1:20 PM EDT - Updated May 1 at 5:11 PM
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) - Gov. Henry McMaster is lifting the “home or work” order for South Carolina. The governor said it will end this Monday, May 4 and will be voluntary after that point.
In addition, the governor announced on May 4 that restaurants throughout the state may provide outdoor dining service in addition to existing take out, curbside and delivery services.
Restaurants will be following guidelines that have been issued by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association which involves a number of guidelines including the number of seats, spaces between seats and signs alerting customers to the precautions.
McMaster has also removed the restrictions for short term rentals on people coming from New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and New Orleans.
The governor had imposed a quarantine on those affected travelers after the CDC had categorized those areas as hot spots and issued a travel advisory which has since been rescinded.
He said he hopes to make more decision on the state soon.
McMaster has also issued a proclamation calling for statewide Day of Prayer this Sunday, May 3.
“I think and I know all those agree it is time that we pause,” he said."We thank God for where we are, for our lives in South Carolina. We want to recognize and console those who have lost loved ones."
The governor said it will also be a time to thank first responders including doctors, healthcare workers, law enforcement, firemen, who have continued to work through the pandemic.
You can view the presser below or click here. This story will be updated throughout the day.
McMaster said the state continues to fight the virus “with every asset and resource available.”
“While we are making progress, we must remain vigilant with expanding prevention and testing efforts," he said during Monday's announcement.
The governor said the duration of the state of emergency could change at any time depending on the circumstances revolving around the coronavirus.
McMaster has said no one wants to reopen business as much as he does and says he hopes to see the state’s economy to be “humming” by the end of June.
As of Thursday afternoon, South Carolina reported 6,095 COVID-19 cases and 244 deaths.
McMaster's briefing comes a day after U.S. Sen. Tim Scott the governor's response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Scott said Thursday during a Facebook live conversation about the state’s business community that he feels McMaster "has handled this entire crisis really well.” Since beginning a stair-step economic shutdown as the coronavirus spread in March, McMaster has repeatedly stressed his desire for a swift, yet safe, financial reopening, noting the severe toll the outbreak has had on individual workers and businesses.
Copyright 2020 WCSC. The Associated Press contributed to to this report. All rights reserved.
Photo: Live 5 News