Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 4

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.

Latest coronavirus cases

Nearly 2,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 40 have died, according to the latest information from public health officials.

Another 217 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus were documented Saturday, bringing the state total to 1,917, officials reported.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control says there were six new deaths linked to COVID-19, “the most in a single day during the pandemic,” the State newspaper reports.

More than 1.1 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide with more than 63,000 deaths as of Saturday morning, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 297,000 confirmed cases and more than 7,100 deaths.

SC database shows hot spots

Nearly every ZIP code in Richland and Lexington counties has reported a case of COVID-19, The State reported, using new data available from the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Camden, a town in Kershaw County, has the highest reported number of cases in the state, with 74 positive tests in the 29020 ZIP code.

The data makes it clearer which communities have been hardest hit by the illness, though state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell cautioned that it’s still only as accurate as the information available.

“The ZIP code information alone only represents people who have actually been tested. And we know that with inadequate testing supplies and with inadequate access to care, not everyone who is sick has been tested,” she said at a Friday news conference. “And so we don’t want anybody to believe that that information in any way says what is actually occurring in the communities and the risk for disease spread, regardless of the case counts.”

McMaster orders more closures

Gov. Henry McMaster ordered more business closures Friday in response to the increasing coronavirus cases in South Carolina.

The businesses now deemed non-essential include florists and those that sell furniture, jewelry, clothing, shoes, sporting goods, books, arts and crafts, music and home furnishings, The State reported.

Additionally, all short-term rentals are being suspended.

The changes go into effect 5 p.m. Monday.

McMaster says he does not yet support the idea of issuing a statewide stay-at-home order, something that has been done in 40 other states.

Gas prices dropping

Gas prices have dropped amid the virus outbreak, but vary by as much as 50 cents across the state.

A price analysis reported by AAA shows disparities of up to 37 cents per gallon between Hilton Head Island and Columbia, The State reported. Prices in S.C. are about 20 cents below than the national average, which is falling due to less demand and international tension.

Prices per gallon appear to be highest in the eastern part of the state according to an interactive map is available on AAA’s website.

Professional licensing deadline

Licensed professionals in South Carolina will have more time to get their licenses renewed, the state Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation announced.

The renewal deadline has been moved to Sept. 30, according to The State.

“The agency recognizes and appreciates the sacrifices our licensees are making during this difficult time, and we want to do our part in making things easier for them,” LLR Director Emily Farr said.

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This story was originally published April 4, 2020 at 8:06 AM.