Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to do if an Employee Tests Positive 
  • Employee Screening Information
  • What to do if a Worker Becomes Sick
  • Guidance for Persons Who Have Tested Positive
• How to Report COVID-19
  • Report immediately a suspected COVID-19 case by contacting SC DHEC at:
    • Office: 843-915-8886
    • Nights/Weekends: 843-915-8845
• Economic Impact Payments for Americans Experiencing Homelessness
  • The IRS is issuing Economic Impact Payments to every eligible American, including individuals who do not normally file because they do not have enough income that requires them to file. This includes the homeless, unbanked, certain seniors and some limited English-proficient individuals who will need to provide information to the IRS to get their Economic Impact Payment. If possible, those individuals can use the IRS free online tool to sign up to get an Economic Impact Payment: irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
  • Payments are Automatic for Many Federal Beneficiaries – SSA, SSI, RRB and VA: For those receiving Social Security retirement, survivor or disability benefits (SSDI), Railroad Retirement benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs benefits who didn’t file a tax return in the last two years, no action is needed; they will automatically receive their $1,200 payment.
• Congressman Tom Rice CARES Act FAQs
• U.S. Travel Association: CARES Act Relief Resources FAQ
• Frequently Asked Questions on the Paycheck Protection Program from the Dept. of the Treasury.
• FAQs on the Economic Injury and Paycheck Protection loan programs from the SBA South Carolina District Office.
• Unemployment General Questions – Q&A on unemployment benefits, eligibility under the CARES Act, tips for answering questions while filing your initial claim.
• World Health Organization – This Q&A will be updated as more is known about COVID-19, how it spreads and how it is affecting people worldwide. 
• J1 Program Update – Myrtle Beach Area CVB has received several questions about the potential impacts of the new coronavirus, COVID-19, on the J1 program this summer. Read about a few things we want you to know about this important program. 
• S.C. Taxpayer Services – Learn more about the S.C Department of Revenue tax relief on their Q&A page.
• S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control answers frequently asked questions.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention answers frequently asked questions.
• FEMA Coronavirus Rumor Control – Rumors can easily circulate within communities during a crisis. Do your part to the stop the spread of disinformation by doing three easy things: don’t believe the rumors, don’t pass them along and go to trusted sources of information to get the facts about the federal (COVID-19) response.
• Federal Trade Commission Coronavirus Scams – Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus. Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay.
• Q. Are all businesses closed across the state?
  A. No. Grand Strand businesses are reopening. See the list of businesses under Gov. McMaster’s order that are still closed.
• Q. COVID-19 and Food Safety FAQ - Is Coronavirus a Concern With Takeout?
  A. At this time, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted by food or food packaging. The FAQs are based on information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Department of Agriculture. Download a Copy of the FAQ
• Q. I heard the City of Myrtle Beach relaxed signage rules because of COVID-19. Does this apply to my business?
  A. The City of Myrtle Beach relaxed signage rules for restaurants after the governor prohibited dine-in service. Signage rules for businesses not directly affected by the governor’s order have not changed.
• Q. Will my hotel offer refunds?
  A. As cancellation and refund policies vary by business, you should contact the business you booked with directly for their latest policies and options. Many businesses are reviewing their policies and making them more flexible to accommodate changing travel plans, such as allowing people to rebook later.
• Q. My hotel won’t give me a refund for my planned travel. Can the chamber force them to give me a refund? What should I do?
  A. Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce has no authority to force a business to provide a refund. However, if the business in question is a member of our organization, we will contact them and suggest they offer flexibility during these uncertain times.
• Q Can I stay at my second home or deeded timeshare property?
  A. Yes, if you own a second home you may stay in it. Ownership is not included in the ordinances. However, you cannot invite other family or friends or rent out your property.
  No, if you have a Right-To-Use timeshare which gives you the right to vacation at the property but without deeded ownership. That is perceived as a short-term rental and is prohibited through April 30.
• Q. I booked my reservation through VRBO or Airbnb and they won’t give me a refund. What should I do?
  A. If you booked your resort or condo property reservation through a third party booking engine, including but not limited to Airbnb and VRBO, the cancellation policies for your reservation are determined by the individual owner of that unit, not the third party booking engine or the resort or condo. It is up to the owner of that unit, not the third-party booking engine or condo/resort, to make considerations for changes to their cancellation policy. We regret that we are not able to assist with these situations as we aren’t privy to the owner’s information and have no jurisdiction over their business policies. This applies to the condo/resort property management as well. The third-party booking engine may be able to help you contact the owner for consideration as they maintain those contact details and communications.