Gov. McMaster defends COVID-19 response in State of the State Republican Gov. Henry McMaster is praising South Carolina's efforts to fight COVID-19 and defending his decisions to shut down the fewest possible activities and businesses during the pandemic. (Source: SCETV) By Patrick Phillips | January 13, 2021 at 4:51 PM EST - Updated January 14 at 12:14 AM COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP/WCSC) - Republican Gov. Henry McMaster praised South Carolina’s efforts to fight COVID-19 and defended his decisions to shut down the fewest possible activities and businesses during the pandemic Wednesday night. “This time last year, South Carolina was roaring into 2020 with a vibrant economy, innovation and a growing population,” he said. “Our unemployment rate was 2.4%. More people were working than ever before. Personal income growth was at an all-time high. We had added over one million residents in twenty years. National rankings consistently listed us as one of the best states in which to do business, raise a family or visit.”