Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 30
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 925 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 18 people have died, according to public health officials.
Officials reported two deaths and 151 new cases on Monday -- the third day in a row South Carolina has reported more than 100 cases as labs clear a backlog of tests.
The hardest-hit counties have been Charleston, with 123 people testing positive, Richland with 135 and Kershaw with 99, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
More than 784,000 cases of the COVID-19 virus have been confirmed worldwide with more than 37,000 deaths as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 163,000 confirmed cases and more than 3,000 deaths.
Fort Jackson sees more cases
Fort Jackson announced another 25 confirmed coronavirus cases Monday, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infections at the base to 27, The State reported.
The installation has already been taking action to curb coronavirus, including canceling public graduations and limiting access to the facility, after announcing two cases last week, according to The State.
McMaster orders beaches closed
Gov. Henry McMaster ordered South Carolina’s beaches and waterways closed to the public, in response to crowds that have continued to gather in those areas despite demands for social distancing.
“As a result of behavior observed this past weekend by the Department of Natural Resources and SLED, it has become necessary to close public access to our state’s beaches, and close boat ramps and landings on our state’s lakes, rivers and waterways,” McMaster said on Twitter.
“This is unfortunate for those who chose to responsibly follow the instructions of our public health officials, but a necessary action to prevent the spread of the COVID 19 virus.”
No new recruits
Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island announced Monday it will not take in new recruits for the time being, and instead further focus efforts on safeguarding the installation against coronavirus.
According to The Island Packet, the base plans to expand screening procedures and will continue caring for those either in quarantine or isolation.
Airlines canceling flights
Columbia Metropolitan Airport said airlines are canceling many flights out of the city as coronavirus cases continue to grow throughout the country and air travel demand dwindles.
American Airlines and Delta have canceled flights to New York, according to The State, and American has also called off flights to Miami. Delta has cut the number of flights to Atlanta by more than half, the outlet reported.
“When everyone is able to get back to business, we will be ready to help get them there,” Kim Jamieson, marketing director at Columbia’s airport, told The State. “It will take time, but we will come back from this stronger than before. We have no doubt.”
Another call to issue shelter-at-home order
U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham, D-Charleston, has called on Gov. Henry McMaster to issue a statewide shelter-at-home order amid the spreading COVID-19 pandemic.
Cunningham is one of over 700 South Carolina residents who have tested positive for coronavirus, The State reported.
“Due to the legal uncertainty of local municipalities’ authority to issue stay-at-home orders for their residents, my constituents and local leaders are confused about the accessibility of our cities and beaches,” Cunningham said. “And residents of these areas are rightfully concerned about the potential spread of COVID-19 in their communities.”
State worker tests positive
An employee with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health tested positive for the coronavirus.
The worker had already been on leave before experiencing symptoms, the department said.
“The S.C. Department of Mental Health runs three inpatient mental health facilities, three veterans’ nursing homes, a general nursing home, a treatment program for sexually violent predators and several other outpatient clinics,” The State reports.
Horry County issues citations
Horry County police patrolling the beaches and waterways in the Myrtle Beach area wrote at least 10 citations for gatherings over the weekend, The Sun News reports.
Gov. Henry McMaster ordered people to not congregate in groups more than three to help slow the spread of the coronavirus. But with nice weather along Grand Strand beaches, police were out to enforce the order. Police said many groups broke up when approached without being cited.
Forecast shows May spike
A forecast from The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation shows the pandemic peaking in South Carolina on May 2.
The State reports: “According to the study, South Carolina will need 1,697 hospital beds for coronavirus patients at the May 2 peak, and the state has 4,679 beds available. Of those, 404 are intensive care unit beds, and 255 will be occupied at the peak, the projection shows.”
If the forecast holds, South Carolina would need hospital beds for COVID-19 patients until July 15.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 7:35 AM.
