Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 25
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 424 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina, and seven people have died, according to public health officials.
Another 82 cases of coronavirus have been reported in the state, the Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Wednesday.
There are now 39 counties with confirmed cases, with Marion, Williamsburg and Union counties all reporting their first, according to The State.
More than 460,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 20,000 deaths as of March 25, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 62,000 confirmed cases with at least 894 deaths.
Cracking down on coronavirus scammers
South Carolina is joining a nationwide, federal effort to combat coronavirus related scams and fraud, The State reported, such as hoarding and then selling needed supplies.
“Even in these times of uncertainty, the rule of law will prevail,” said Lance Crick, acting U.S. attorney for South Carolina. “Obviously, the coronavirus pandemic is going to be disruptive, and we are adapting to it and are on high alert.”
Visiting S.C.? Please quarantine, governor says
Gov. Henry McMaster is asking anyone coming into South Carolina for a stay of two or more days to please self-quarantine immediately upon arrival.
“Today I am requesting all out of state visitors to South Carolina planning a stay of two or more nights self quarantine for two weeks immediately upon arrival,” McMaster tweeted on Wednesday.
McMaster’s statement is in response to complaints made to his office by elected officials along the coast, worried about visitors traveling from other states harder hit by COVID-19, according to The State.
Zoo to remain closed
The Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia will be closed until the end of April, according to The State.
After closing on March 16, the zoo initially planned to reopen by April 1.
Despite the closure, the animals are all still being cared for, The State reported.
“Critical operations teams have been working diligently to provide vital care to our wildlife, habitats and infrastructure,” officials said in a statement.
Columbia to consider shelter-in-place
Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin said city council will meet virtually on Thursday to discuss possibly issuing a shelter-in-place order for the city, The State reported.
The city of Charleston put a similar measure in place Tuesday, allowing only essential businesses to stay open, and residents to leave their homes only for essential goods and services, such as groceries or medical care.
Charleston orders residents to stay home
City leaders in Charleston ordered residents to stay at home to help slow the spread of the virus. City council members approved an order Tuesday night that says residents should only leave their homes or essential trips, including going to the grocery store or pharmacy.
The “shelter in place” ordinance begins at 12:01 a.m. Thursday and will last for at least 14 days.
BMW shuts down plant
BMW announced it would take its Spartanburg County plant offline for two weeks starting Sunday.
Company officials said they are shutting down the factory because of supply chain problems, The State reports.
“The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in a very dynamic situation. We’ve had to adjust our plans accordingly,” BMW said in a news release. “We will continue to monitor the ongoing situation very closely and adjust our plans as circumstances dictate.”
Schools closed through April
All South Carolina public schools will remain closed through the end of April, state officials said Tuesday.
Gov. Henry McMaster had previously ordered all public schools closed until at least the end of March.
Clarification on gatherings
The governor has instructed law enforcement to break up gatherings of three or more people, but that doesn’t include political and religious events, state Attorney General Alan Wilson said.
Issuing his opinion on the order, Wilson said assembling for religious or political purposes is protected by the United States Constitution, The State reports.
Catholic churches cancel Mass
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston has canceled Mass through Easter.
The diocese plans to live stream services online through Holy Week.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 7:32 AM.
