Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 26
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 at least eight people have died, according to public health officials.
Two more people have died as a result of coronavirus, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control said Thursday afternoon, bringing the death toll in South Carolina to 9.
Another 32 cases have also been reported, which gives South Carolina 456 confirmed cases.
Positive cases have been reported in 39 counties of the state’s 46 counties.
Jack West, a Camden legislative lobbyist and son of former governor John West, died Wednesday of complications from the coronavirus, according to a message sent from his church to fellow parishioners.
More than 521,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 23,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 79,000 confirmed cases with at least 1,100 deaths.
Myrtle Beach shuts down hotels, attractions
In an emergency conference call Thursday, Myrtle Beach City Council decided to close down all accommodations and attractions, and visitors will have to leave.
Accommodations include “hotels, motels, condo hotels, rental properties, Airbnb’s, VRBO style lodging and public and private campgrounds,” The Sun News reported. Tourists must vacate by noon Sunday.
“We have to protect our community is the bottom line,” Mayor Brenda Bethune said. “We must act to stop the spread of this virus.”
Columbia issues shelter-in-place order
Columbia’s City Council issued a shelter-in-place order on Thursday, forcing all non-essential businesses to close and residents to stay home except for essential goods and services.
The order goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday, according to The State.
Charleston approved a similar measure Tuesday after the state Department of Health and Environmental Control warned that South Carolina will soon experience a severe increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.
MUSC makes 3D printed masks
With medical masks running in short supply amid the coronavirus pandemic, Medical University of South Carolina employees responded by designing a 3D-printable mask capable of protecting the wearer from COVID-19, the university announced.
“High schools have a printer capable of making this,” said Michael Yost, Ph.D., vice chairman of research in the Department of Surgery. “Let’s make this so simple that a high schooler could do it, yet effective to protect our people.”
It takes 4 to 5 hours to print one of the masks. MUSC is reaching out to manufacturers for assistance, as it doesn’t have 3D printing capacity to produce the masks at a larger scale.
Clemson sees first case
Clemson University confirmed its first case of coronavirus in a statement released Thursday morning.
The university did not specify whether a student or a staff member is infected, only that they are an “individual associated with Clemson University.”
Unemployment claims soar
More than 31,000 South Carolinians filed unemployment claims last week, according to the state Department of Employment and Workforce.
That’s up significantly from the prior week, when just under 2,000 people filed for jobless benefits.
8,000 cases by May?
South Carolina could have more than 8,000 cases of the coronavirus by early May, according to state estimates. Health officials predict more than 2,600 cases by April 2.
The state’s model was released a day after a USC researcher estimated the state could see 9,800 cases by April 5.
Out-of-state visitors
Gov. Henry McMaster said he wants out-of-state visitors to self-quarantine for two weeks upon arrival to South Carolina.
McMaster posted the plea on Twitter, saying the the request applies to visitors who plan to stay in the Palmetto State for two or more nights.
Hilton Head Island Mayor John McCann, who previously urged visitors to come to the island during the coronavirus pandemic, now is asking them to stay away. McCann said during a call with county leaders on Wednesday he wants potential visitors to “re-evaluate” their plans.
Residents from places such as New York and Illinois may have second residences in South Carolina.
More golf courses close
Founders Group International, the largest golf course ownership and management company in the Myrtle Beach market, closed five more courses Wednesday to mitigate the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
FGI, which operates 21 courses on the Grand Strand, closed International World Tour Golf Links in Myrtle Beach, Burning Ridge Golf Club and Wild Wing Plantation in Conway, and Willbrook Plantation and River Club in Pawleys Island.
The company closed three other courses Monday.
This story was originally published March 26, 2020 at 8:01 AM.
