Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 15
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 3,656 people have tested positive for coronavirus in South Carolina, and 107 people have died, according to public health officials.
Officials reported 105 new cases and 10 deaths Wednesday, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Greenville County reported the most new cases with 27, and 13 new cases were confirmed in Richland County, DHEC said.
More than 2 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide with more than 133,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 634,000 confirmed cases and more than 28,000 deaths.
118 employees infected, Prisma says
During a Wednesday phone call with state legislators, Prisma Health said that 118 of its employees have contracted coronavirus, The State reported.
Over half of the 118 staff infected -- 54 percent -- were exposed while on the job, according to the outlet.
AG targets pandemic price gouging
The South Carolina Attorney General said his office has received more than 650 complaints about price gouging since the governor declared a state of emergency last month.
Masks, hand sanitizer and other cleaning supplies were the most common items people were selling for more than usual, The State reports. Raising the prices of essential items during a state of emergency is against state law.
“We want to get moving on these as soon as possible to get the word out that we are investigating these price gouging complaints and will prosecute the businesses and individuals that violate the law,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said in a news release.
Calls to increase minority outreach
While African Americans make up 27 percent of South Carolina’s population, they account for 56 percent of the COVID-19 deaths, The State reported.
On Tuesday, Rep. Rosalyn Henderson-Myers, a Spartanburg Democrat, asked Gov. Henry McMaster to establish a task force to assist minority communities with health-related issues.
“This coronavirus is impacting South Carolina’s minority communities at an alarming rate,” Henderson-Myers said in a statement. “Black people are suffering from higher rates of infection and death. This is a disturbing trend, and it will only be stopped if it is addressed in a concerted effort by state leadership.”
Layoffs hit Myrtle Beach attraction
More than 130 people at Myrtle Beach’s Medieval Times have been laid off as the tourist town continues to restrict visitors and gatherings, The Sun News reports.
More than 150 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Horry County, though the actual total is likely much higher, according to DHEC. There are eight confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in the county.
Help for small businesses
Small businesses in South Carolina have gotten $2.2 billion so far from the new Payroll Protection Program, The Island Packet reports.
The federal program made more than 1,400 loans to businesses in the state, according to the Small Business Administration. The companies do not have to pay the money back as long as they use the funds to keep employees on payroll.
Hospital puts employees on leave
Providence Hospital in Columbia is placing 51 employees on temporary leave due to the coronavirus pandemic, The State reported.
The workers will be paid 25% of their salaries and will still get benefits, the outlet reported.
“Like all hospitals, in addition to fighting COVID-19 on the front lines of patient care, we have to manage the business impact we are experiencing due to significant decreases in volume and the utilization of services,” said Tina Creighton, Providence’s communications director.
Masks needed for juvenile detainees
The state Department of Juvenile Justice is asking for donations of protective masks to help prevent coronavirus spreading among detainees and staff, The State reported.
Any kind of mask, whether homemade or medical grade, is welcome, the outlet reported. The Department of Juvenile Justice has 1,400 staff members and 3,500 detainees.
Prison employee dies
An employee at the Lee Correctional Institution has died due to coronavirus, the S.C. Department of Corrections announced Tuesday.
The employee, who last went work March 27, was considered non-security personnel and had little contact with inmates, the department said, according to The State.
This story was originally published April 15, 2020 at 7:17 AM.
