Governor orders non-essential businesses to close statewide.

S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster ordered all "non-essential" businesses to close statewide starting Wednesday.

McMaster gave the order during a 4 p.m. press conference today.

"We must do everything we can to stop the spread, be as aggressive as we can be using the facts, science, data and the knowledge and recommendations of the experts in the field, but at the same time, not going too far and destroying businesses and jobs that people are depending on," he said.

McMaster said non-essential businesses include nightclubs, bowling alleys, arcades, concert venues, theatres, auditoriums, tourist attractions, racetracks, indoor children's play areas except daycares, bingo halls, social club venues and adult entertainment establishments. Also included are recreational venues that cause people to be closer than six feet or share equipment, as well as close-contact service providers such as barber shops, hair salons, waxing salons, threading salon, spas, body art facilities, and massage services.

"A lot these businesses are not open," said McMaster, adding that many of these businesses have "taken it upon themselves" to close due concerns about spreading the new coronavirus and a steep drop in customers.

When asked whether he was urging citizens to stay home, McMaster said...