Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 24
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
South Carolina has at least 342 reported cases of coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon, including 44 new cases reported by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Five people have died from the virus in South Carolina. Two deaths announced Monday, one in Clarendon County and one in Kershaw County, were both older people with underlying health conditions, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The state expects to see the number of COVID-19 cases continue to increase, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said Monday.
More than 414,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 18,500 deaths as of March 24, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 51,000 confirmed cases with at least 674 deaths.
Schools to remain closed
All South Carolina public schools will remain closed until the end of April, Gov. Henry McMaster and state superintendent Molly Spearman announced jointly.
The move extends the time students are out of school by one month, The State reported.
Charleston mayor issues ‘stay at home’ ordinance
Charleston mayor John Tecklenburg announced Tuesday he is issuing a citywide “stay-at-home” order, as South Carolina enters “the period of maximum danger.”
“With yesterday’s announcement that the COVID-19 pandemic has officially reached the acceleration phase in our our state, we must now take even more dramatic action, while there’s still time to save thousands of lives right here in Charleston,” Tecklenburg said at the 2:30 p.m. press conference.
If approved by Charleston’s city council, all nonessential businesses must close for a period of 14 days, and likewise, all residents must stay home except to obtain those essential goods and services, such as groceries or medical care.
The “acceleration phase” refers to the period of time when community spread is high and the number of infections are expected to increase exponentially.
Tecklenburg said that predictive models from Columbia University show that thousands of Charleston residents could potentially die if “dramatic action” is not taken.
“This moment — with the pandemic still in the earliest part of the acceleration phase — is our last, best chance to keep that tragedy from happening here in our city,” he said.
Officers quarantined
Five law enforcement officers from three agencies are in self-quarantine following the arrest of a nurse who had been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
The Island Packet reported Tuesday that the Beaufort County-area officers arrested the woman on suspicion of driving under the influence, after discovering an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, which had been driven into a lagoon.
Bank closures
Wells Fargo said Tuesday it will temporarily close several locations across South Carolina amid the growing number of coronavirus cases in the state.
At least 10, located in Columbia, Sumter, Charleston, Greenville County, York County and Spartanburg County, are scheduled to close their doors, according to The State.
Real ID extension
South Carolinians worried about meeting the deadline to get their REAL ID compliant license will have more time to do so. According to The State, the White House is extending the Oct. 1 deadline.
The new federally mandated license is needed to board domestic flights, or enter federal buildings and military bases. The State reports that 1.2 million South Carolina residents have gotten one, but thousands more still have not.
A new deadline has not been announced.
No groups of 3 or more
Gov. Henry McMaster said Monday he’s not yet ordering people to shelter in place, but he is issuing an order to restrict groups of three or more people from gathering.
“It would apply to parties on the beach, to boisterous gatherings or concerts, to spontaneous gatherings or unruly gatherings in shopping centers, parking lots,” McMaster said, according to The State. “Those are the kinds of things and we have all seen them.”
Businesses and employers are not included in the order. People could face a misdemeanor charge for violating the order, The State reports.
COVID-19 cases at Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB
Two people at Fort Jackson tested positive for the coronavirus, Army officials said Monday.
“A soldier in training and an officer attending a course on the base tested positive and are in isolation, according to a statement from Fort Jackson officials. They are receiving medical care and will not return to duty until they are cleared,” The State reports.
Military officials Monday also reported the first case at Shaw Air Force Base. An airman’s spouse tested positive for the virus and the couple is now quarantining themselves in off-base housing, The State reports.
State parks close
South Carolina’s state parks will close for two days, officials said.
Parks will be closed Wednesday and Thursday as park officials work on new procedures for the coronavirus, state officials said.
Parks will re-open Friday.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 7:45 AM.
