Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 7
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 2,417 people have tested positive for coronavirus in South Carolina, and 51 people have died, according to public health officials.
While the number of positive tests continues to climb in the state, officials estimate there are probably more than 15,000 people in the state infected with COVID-19, according to the Department of Heath and Environmental Control.
Officials reported 187 new cases and three deaths Tuesday. The three deaths were older patients with underlying medical conditions in Greenville and Lexington counties, DHEC said.
More than 1.4 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide with more than 82,000 deaths as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 398,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths.
Miss South Carolina postponed
Miss South Carolina 2020 won’t be crowned until at least August, according to The State, with event organizers pushing back the annual event from its initial June schedule.
$15 million for voting protection
Concerned over voter turnout amid the threat of COVID-19, state legislators are planning to meet Wednesday and set aside $15 million to help safeguard South Carolina’s voting process from the pandemic.
The money will “cover costs directly related to protecting the health of the state’s voters, poll workers and local election employees,” The State reported.
Columbia makes deal for 3,000 tests
The city of Columbia has a deal with an SC-based medical company to make as many as 3,000 coronavirus tests available for city employees.
According to The State, the tests are primarily intended for first responders, and city workers at higher risk of infection, such as public works and solid waste.
Stay-home order begins Tuesday
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster issued an order for everyone to stay at home unless they are making essential trips or going to work. The order begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday.
The stay-home order does not include visiting family, trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, and getting exercise.
The order also restricts how many customers can be in a store at one time. No more than five people per 1,000 square feet of a store will be allowed in a store at any given time.
Watch the spread of confirmed cases in SC
Boeing shuts down 787 line
Boeing is going to shut down its 787 Dreamliner production line in North Charleston Wednesday as the pandemic continues to spread throughout South Carolina, the company said.
The airplane manufacturer operates a massive facility in Charleston County, where at least 300 people have tested positive for the coronavirus.
Boeing recently offered voluntary layoffs to more than 160,000 employees, including in South Carolina, The State reports.
Myrtle Beach adds precautions for delivery
A new order in Myrtle Beach says delivery service drivers must wear face masks and clean their hands before each delivery in the city, The Sun News reports.
A second order for bus and taxi drivers and ride share services like Uber and Lyft says drivers must stay 6 feet from passengers. If the driver cannot stay 6 feet from passengers, they now have to wear face masks.
MUSC lays off 900
The Medical University of South Carolina is temporarily laying off 900 employees and cutting pay for most others, as the healthcare system grapples with financial deficits it links to the coronavirus pandemic.
Preparing hospitals for COVID surge
Public health officials in the state are working to increase hospital capacity before a forecasted surge in coronavirus cases, The State reports.
Officials say they expect 3,500 patients hospitalized with the virus by early May, so they are planning to add 3,000 beds in the state to bring statewide capacity up to 9,000.
Army halts basic training for new recruits
The U.S. Army is delaying basic training for many new recruits for two weeks as the coronavirus continues to spread around the country.
Army officials said they will stop sending recruits to Fort Jackson in Columbia, where a number of soldiers have fallen ill with the virus, McClatchy News reports. The Army will also delay basic training at Fort Benning in Georgia, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Fort Sill in Oklahoma.
This story was originally published April 7, 2020 at 7:46 AM.