FRANKFORT, Ky. — Did you and your family decide to get away and visit Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in the past two weeks.

 

What You Need To Know


  • Kentucky Dept. of Health issues travel warning

  • Anyone who visited Myrtle Beach, SC needs to quarantine

  • Other states have seen increase in COVID-19 cases

 

If you did the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has issued an advisory for Kentucky residents. 

DPH advises Kentucky residents who traveled to Myrtle Beach in the past two weeks to self-quarantine for 14 days and monitor themselves for COVID-19 symptoms.

Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s Public Health commissioner, said, “If you or someone to whom you are close has been to Myrtle Beach in the past two weeks, please be aware that you have a good probability of having been exposed to the novel coronavirus.” He added, “Please avoid contact with those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly and anyone with significant medical conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.”

The advisory comes after a sharp rise in the number of COVID-19 cases that began after Myrtle Beach hotels reopened May 15 and state attractions opened May 22.

A group of Kentucky travelers went to Myrtle Beach on June 11 and returned on June 14. At least nine members of the party tested positive for COVID-19. There may be other clusters linked to Myrtle Beach trips, one the first week of June and another group in mid-June.

DPH 

If you or someone you know traveled to Myrtle Beach you should look for: 

  • A fever of 100.4° or higher
  • Respiratory symptoms, such as shortness of breath or breathing difficulty
  • Loss of smell or taste

If you notice any of these symptoms, the person should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible.

DPH leadership stresses that exposure to COVID-19 is not limited to Myrtle Beach.

Several states have reported a rise in COVID-19 cases and safety guidelines must still be followed. 

For more information about staying safe during coronavirus, please visit our special section for information about COVID-19 prevention.