Here’s when SC state employees can return to work as coronavirus reopenings continue
Thousands of South Carolina state employees who have been working from home could be back in their offices by the beginning of next month.
In the latest step to reopen the state from its coronavirus-induced lockdown, Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday that state government workers would return to their offices no later than June 3.
The governor said agencies are working now to ensure employees have ample protection to work safely from their usual places, just like other workers whose businesses have reopened in recent weeks.
McMaster made the announcement at the same time he lifted restrictions on “close contact” businesses such as barber shops, hair salons and gyms.
For almost two months, more than 55,000 state employees who have been able to have worked from home. Another 19,000 government workers who aren’t able to work from home have continued to work as normal.
The state government will stagger the schedule for when workers will return, said Marcia Adams, executive director of the S.C. Department of Administration.
First to return will be clerical workers whose work includes duties like answering phones. “That’s been harder to do remotely,” Adams said.
Other workers could begin returning about two weeks later, depending on the availability of personal protective equipment and how well the rollout goes, Adams added.
McMaster has already lifted statewide orders barring on-site dining at restaurants and bars. Diners have been able to eat at outside tables since last week, and indoor dining resumed at some restaurants on Monday.
This story was originally published May 11, 2020 at 5:10 PM with the headline "Here’s when SC state employees can return to work as coronavirus reopenings continue."
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