SCBIZ Daily for April 7, 2020

Governor closes businesses, to hold 4 p.m. press conference

In a Friday press conference, Gov. Henry McMaster added department stores and other retailers to the "nonessential" list, effective Monday at 5 p.m. He also closed hotels and rentals to visitors with a few exceptions, from CDC "hotspot" areas. The governor has announced another press conference Monday at 4 p.m. following a conference call with Vice President Mike Pence and governors across the nation.

BMW extends shutdown, considers new avenues to help

As BMW Manufacturing halts its production for another three weeks, the global auto manufacturer considers new routes for meeting COVID-19 shortages around the world. Globally, BMW has donated critical needs goods like disinfectants and masks and offered vehicles to medical providers while forming plans for potential mask production as auto lines lay idle.

South Carolina COVID Strike Team to target fraud

The U.S. Attorney’s Office established the team to investigate and prosecute COVID-19-related fraud, hoarding and price gouging in the state. State and federal officials have already begun responding to potential cases.

Johnson & Johnson to make Prisma ventilator splitter

Prisma Health will team up with Ethicon, Inc. to produce and distribute the VESper Ventilator Expansion Splitter given emergency approval in late March. The device will be used to expand the capacity of a single respirator to two patients.

Hamilton returns home after 80-day patrol

The Coast Guard National Security Cutter Hamilton returned to Charleston on Sunday after completing an 80-day patrol in the eastern Pacific Ocean. The Hamilton is one of two 418-foot cutters homeported in Charleston; the other is the James.

Greenwood Mills switches from denim to masks

Greenwood Mills switched from making denim to non-medical grade masks just as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made new mask recommendations which may boost demand. Plans are underway to produce 500,000 masks and 300,000 hospital gowns per week when at full capacity.

Koss Creative

Koss Creative is finding ways to help the community while keeping its screen printing presses running.

Bulldog Tours

While people have been stuck indoors, unable to travel to Charleston and gather in groups, tour guides from Bulldog have volunteered to provide video tours of different parts of Charleston. The guides have been selective about the sites they’re showcasing, in order to avoid crowds, which has led to telling stories about locations that may be off the beaten path.

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