Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 8

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

Latest coronavirus cases

At least 2,552 people have tested positive for coronavirus in South Carolina, and 63 people have died, according to public health officials.

While reported cases continue to climb, officials estimate there are probably more than 16,500 people in the state infected with COVID-19, according to the Department of Heath and Environmental Control.

Officials reported 139 new cases and 12 deaths Wednesday, the highest single-day death toll the state has experienced so far. Of the 12 patients who died, 10 were older and 2 were middle-aged, all with underlying medical conditions, DHEC said.

More than 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide with more than 88,000 deaths as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 430,000 confirmed cases and more than 14,700 deaths.

Furloughed workers eligible for unemployment

Gov. Henry McMaster announced Wednesday that all furloughed workers can now apply for and receive unemployment benefits -- even if they are still being paid in some way by their employer.

“Every day, our primary objective is to protect South Carolinians, but we also must act to protect the state’s economy,” McMaster said in a statement. “This order does both. It allows our businesses to take care of their employees as best as they can and will help our economy recover from this unprecedented time.”

COVID disproportionately killing African Americans

South Carolina’s African American population is experiencing a disproportionate number of deaths due to coronavirus, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Roughly half of all COVID-related deaths in the state, 46 percent, were of African Americans, despite only making up 27 percent of the population. South Carolina’s population is 67 percent white, and white people account for 41 percent of deaths, according to The State.

Columbia-based pharma employee tests positive

An employee of Nephron Pharmaceuticals, a company based in West Columbia, has tested positive for coronavirus.

The employee hasn’t been to work since March 31, and the company has known about the diagnosis since April 2, Nephron officials told The State.

State Guard sets up field hospital

The South Carolina State Guard converted a fitness center at Medical University of South Carolina into a field hospital in just two days, according to the MUSC.

The field hospital will be for coronavirus patients in recovery and ready for discharge.

“What was thought to have taken two weeks, took only two days to accomplish,” MUSC Emergency Management Coordinator Brian Wood said in a news release.

Horry County school nutrition worker tests positive

A “nutritional services employee” who was preparing meals for a Myrtle Beach-area school tested positive for the coronavirus, according to Horry County Schools. The school meal site at Socastee Elementary has been closed, but meals will still be served at a nearby high school, the district said.

“The Nutrition Services employee last reported to work April 2, and all employees who had direct contact with the employee have been contacted and directed to self-quarantine for 14 days,” The Sun News reports. “The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will conduct an investigation.”

DMV open for appointments only

The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles has a new online appointment system for anyone who needs to visit a DMV office.

“You will need to have an appointment to complete transactions at SCDMV branch offices,” the DMV said.

People can also call 803-896-5000 to make an appointment.

DMV appointments will be scheduled at least two weeks in advance, The State reports.

$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.

South Carolina voters are scheduled to go to the polls in June and November.

Cayce curfew

A city-wide curfew in Cayce will begin Wednesday night. The curfew will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day.

“Travel within city limits is restricted during those times except for those going to work or for healthcare reasons,” The State reports.

Miss South Carolina postponed

Miss South Carolina 2020 won’t be crowned until August, The State reports.

Event organizers pushed back the annual event from its initial June schedule because of the coronavirus. The competition will air Aug. 1.

Columbia makes deal for 3,000 tests

The city of Columbia has a deal with a South Carolina-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 also city workers at higher risk of infection, such as those in the public works and solid waste departments.

Watch the spread of confirmed cases in SC

This story was originally published April 8, 2020 at 7:13 AM.