Say goodby to February, small gatherings and closed bars after 11 pm.
As of Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster is lifting covid restrictions on mass gatherings and the sale of alcohol past 11 pm.
This will be the 1st time in 7 months you will be able to:
• Attend an event with more than 250 people.
• Buy an adult beverage in a restaurant after 11 pm.
The restrictions were intended to lower the spread of covid-19.
“With the spread of the virus consistently decreasing and more of the most vulnerable South Carolinians being vaccinated every day," the governor said, "I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary.
 “We must continue to make responsible decisions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones but those decisions are for South Carolinians to make.”
South Carolinians are still encouraged to practice safety precautions including social distancing and wearing face masks. 
New DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said, “We are here today because of our citizens’ careful and ongoing efforts.
“I urge you to continue wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart, staying home and away from others if you’re sick and when it’s your time, get a safe and effective vaccine.”
Large gatherings organizers are urged to:
• Limit attendance to either 50% of the event space’s occupancy limit or fewer than 250 people
• Ask everyone at a large gathering to wear face masks.
• Comply with sanitation, social distancing and hygiene guidelines established by the CDC, DHEC and other health officials.