Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 19
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
At least 4,377 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 120 people have died, according to public health officials.
Officials reported 136 new cases and one death on Sunday, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The death occurred in a middle-aged Jasper County resident with no known underlying conditions.
More than 2.3 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide with more than 165,000 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States has more than 746,000 confirmed cases and more than 41,000 deaths.
Retail restrictions
Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to lift some restrictions on retail stores in South Carolina on Monday, a source familiar with the plan told The State on Sunday.
The governor previously closed retail stores in an effort to slow the spread of coronavirus.
Under the changes, department stores, flea markets, craft stores, music stores, shoe stores and book stores will be allowed to reopen. Stores must still limit occupancy to five people per 1,000 square feet.
Beaches opening next week?
State Sen. Stephen Goldfinch said South Carolina’s beach accesses could open next week, The Sun News reports. Goldfinch, who represents coastal areas of Horry, Georgetown and Charleston counties, made the announcement on Facebook.
There has been no official announcement from Gov. Henry McMaster, who closed public beach accesses March 30.
30 city employees quarantined in Myrtle Beach
Thirty city employees, including some in the police department, are in quarantine after a Myrtle Beach city employee tested positive for the virus, The Sun News reports.
A city spokesman said the employees are all in the police and building maintenance departments. He would not say how many police officers are in quarantine but said, “the department’s operations are not affected.”
Two-thirds of SC patients have recovered
As the number of confirmed coronavirus cases surpassed 4,000 Friday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced that 67% of those have recovered from the illness, according to The State.
“It’s really just an indication, so that you and your readers and viewers can understand that not all of those 4,000 odd cases are actively showing signs of symptoms,” Nick Davidson, the DHEC incident commander for COVID-19, told reporters on a conference call.
This story was originally published April 19, 2020 at 7:54 AM.
