It looks like an alternate reality when John and June Shute look at the cases of COVID-19 in myrtle beach, compared to their small town outside of Toronto.
Horry County has reported almost 500 new COVID-19 cases in the last two weeks. The Shutes live in Owen Sound, where there have been 2,500 cases during the entire Pandemic.
June Shute said it was a scary prospect.
The Shutes home region in Canada has had a much higher rate of infections than Horry County has. Their Canadian home has had fewer COVID cases and deaths, but it also has a high number of vaccinations.
The Shutes decided to cancel their trip to Myrtle Beach because of Horry County's low vaccination rate and COVID-19 case numbers.
The retired couple decided to cancel their trip to the beach. They live in a place where they used to go skiing when they were younger. The cold is not as attractive in their retirement. They usually come to Myrtle Beach in November and then go home for Christmas and come back in January.
The Shutes were going to spend the entire winter in Myrtle Beach. They booked their long-term rental at the beach when they knew the land border would reopen. They had driven down here every winter since they retired.
John Shute said that the appeal of winter has fallen as we get older. It was very disappointing not to be able to go away.
He said that they can stay in Canada during the winter. Do we like it? No.
Lack of precautions.
There is a chance that someone who is not vaccination will be encountered in myrtle beach.
While people in Owen Sound wear masks whenever they are inside a public place, very few people in Myrtle Beach have done so since March, and few businesses ask or remind customers to wear masks.
The Shutes' children were sent home from school with tons of free tests. The Washington Post says that rapid tests are hard to find in many parts of the US, and that the tests cost $25 for a pack of two up front, with the possibility of reimbursement from the federal government or a health insurer later on.
June Shute was confused by the lackadaisical approach of the Palmetto State to the ongoing Pandemic.
It appears that the Shutes are living in an alternate reality compared to Owen Sound. It is hard for the Shutes to understand why so many people in South Carolina don't get vaccinations.
June Shute said it seemed odd that a region that relies on tourists would want the economy to thrive but not want to slow the spread of the coronaviruses.
She said she didn't understand. If you want your economy to thrive, you want tourists to come.
She knows that snowbirds are making their decision on which state to visit based on the current situation in that state.
The Shutes worry that other people would not wear masks in public if they came to Myrtle Beach, something that is second nature to them everywhere they go. June Shute likes to go grocery shopping at The Fresh Market in Grande Dunes, but few people bother to wear masks. She loves wandering around the Tanger Outlets on Highway 17 Bypass, but it might not be an option for her if COVID is prevalent.
June Shute said that everyone in the grocery store has to wear a mask. There are signs at the door that say please respect our policy and put your mask on.
She said that they have done this for so long that they are used to it. Our numbers are great because of that. People are accepting it because we don't want to go into another lock down and businesses will suffer.
There is a tremendous opportunity.
The Shutes are not the only ones who are wary of traveling to South Carolina. They would be joined by five other Canadian couples. June Shute said that only one of them is here now.
She wonders if the area could do better with tourism in the winter if it took COVID-19 more seriously. Many people like to travel south during the winter in the Toronto area.
She said there was a great opportunity for you to get us down there.
The Chamber of Commerce said last month that it hoped COVID wouldn't be a problem for travelers from Canada.
Karen Riordan, the chamber CEO, said in November that many people travel to protect their health. Prospective travelers are inquiring about what is open. We have a good answer, which is everything.
Riordan said that Myrtle Beach offers them the opportunity to travel in a responsible manner during the winter and early spring travel seasons.
Riordan said that the region has a lot of outdoor activities, which would be the safest for entertainment during the Pandemic.
Riordan said that more information specific to Canadian travelers can be found on VisitMyrtleBeach.ca.
Constantly watching the news.
The Shutes would still like to go to Myrtle Beach this winter despite their fears of COVID-19 and questions about South Carolina's handling of the Pandemic.
They would have to figure out how to travel to myrtle beach safely because of general COVID risk. As they attempt to plan a new trip to Myrtle Beach, they consume CNN and other news outlets to learn about travel restrictions, testing requirements and vaccine rules.
June Shute said it was very confusing. There are hurdles to jump.
June Shute said that it is still hard for older Canadians like themselves because of the travel requirements.
She knows of a person who had to cancel a trip to Florida because of travel rules. June Shute said it was heartbreaking to hear.
Who knows how long she has left? June Shute spoke.
June Shute said her friends have seen commercials for the Chamber of Commerce.
There is no chance that the city of Myrtle Beach will institute a bunch of new precautions. The Shutes know that. They are trying to find a way to adapt. Two weeks ago, they both got their booster shots. They plan to stay on top of the mask when they are in the area.
The couple is also looking at other travel options. June Shute has been looking at the case rates for the zip code where they plan to stay in Myrtle Beach and compared them to the case rates in Florida. They have looked better of them than before.
She said that she was watching the numbers and that she and her husband knew about Destin. Their numbers are better.
The Shutes are both at risk of adverse COVID infections, so they have a lot of time to make a decision.
June Shute paused to ponder, "For us to venture out of this safe spot is."
