Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 28
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 660 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 15 people have died as of Saturday afternoon, according to public health officials.
Officials reported two deaths and 121 new cases on Saturday — the largest single-day increase the state has seen since the first cases of COVID-19 were reported March 2.
Richland County has 81 reported cases. Beaufort County has 39, and Horry County has 28. York County has 31.
More than 650,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 30,000 deaths as of Saturday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 116,000 confirmed cases and more than 1,900 deaths.
SC gets N95 masks, other medical supplies
The federal government sent South Carolina a second allotment of medical equipment that included more than 44,440 N95 respirator masks, 100,000 surgical masks and almost 200,000 surgical gowns and face shields.
The shipment arrived from the Strategic National Stockpile on Saturday.
First corrections officer tests positive
A prison correctional officer at the Broad River Correctional Institution tested positive for the coronavirus on March 27.
The officer has been in self-isolation for the last 10 days, a spokeswoman for the South Carolina Department of Corrections said.
He’s the first state corrections employee to contract the virus.
Inmates who were in close contact with the officer have been quarantined for 14 days, spokesman Chrysti Shain told The State.
Cayce calls for statewide shelter-at-home order
City council members in Cayce on Friday night voted unanimously on a resolution calling for a statewide shelter-at-home order.
“If our Governor continues to avoid taking swift action that will protect our citizens and possibly avoid a long-term economic impact, then the City of Cayce will continue to consider a local shelter-in-place ordinance,” Cayce Mayor Elise Partin said in a statement.
Columbia and Charleston city leaders have issued stay-at-home orders for people in those cities, The State reports.
But the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office said Friday that local orders requiring people to stay at home may not be legal. The legal opinion, issued Friday, said that the governor “as the elected chief executive of the state, is responsible for the safety, security and welfare of the state” in a state of emergency.
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin said Saturday the city will move ahead with its the stay-at-home ordinance.
Clemson QB, girlfriend planning coronavirus relief fund
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his girlfriend Marissa Mowry announced plans on Twitter for a coronavirus relief fund after the NCAA granted him a waiver to raise the money.
The “Trevor Lawrence and Marissa Mowry COVID-19 Relief Fund” will raise money for family’s directly affected by the coronavirus pandemic in Cartersville and Upstate South Carolina, The State reports.
Prisma Health announces furloughs
One of the largest healthcare providers in South Carolina is furloughing workers as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Prisma Health said it’s already begun notifying workers but doesn’t have an exact count on the number of people affected. The decision was reached after a “dramatic” decrease in the number of elective procedures being performed.
“In order for us to take care of our patients today and the foreseeable future, we need to take this difficult measure,” Prisma said in its statement. “Once we come out of this — and we will — we can get back to business as usual.”
Trump approves SC disaster declaration
President Donald Trump signed off on a disaster declaration for the state of South Carolina on Friday as the number of coronavirus cases continues to climb, allowing federal aid to reach state and local governments that request it.
Disaster declarations are typically sought when “a situation exceeds the capability or resources available to that jurisdiction’s government.”
Trump’s approval follows S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster’s decision to declare a state of emergency two weeks ago.
Drive-thru testing available
More than 10 cities across the state are offering drive-thru testing for the coronavirus.
The S.C. Hospital Association recommends people see a doctor through a telehealth appointment before going to the testing site. They should also bring a health insurance card and make sure they meet the testing requirements.
Visitors must self-quarantine
Under an executive order signed by the governor on Friday, any visitors coming into South Carolina from New York or another designated hot spot for coronavirus infections must self-quarantine for 14 days.
Other designated hot spots include New York state, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans, according to the order.
Any visitor who violates the mandatory self-quarantine order could be subject to a criminal penalty of up to 30 days in jail or a $1,000 fine.
Fort Jackson clinic adjusts operations
Primary care for retirees and their families will no longer be offered at the the Moncrief Army Health Clinic at Fort Jackson, according to a post on its Facebook page.
The fort said it will operate at limited capacity as the spread of coronavirus worsens.
Active personnel will still be allowed at the health clinic on base, but virtual appointments are being strongly encouraged.
This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 8:10 AM.
