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

Cases top 6,000

At least 6,095 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 244 have died as of Thursday, according to state health officials.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 220 new cases and 12 deaths Thursday. The deaths were older residents from Anderson, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Florence, Greenville, Lexington, and Richland counties, DHEC said, and three middle-aged residents from Anderson, Greenville, and Richland counties.

More than 3.2 million cases of COVID-19 and 233,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, with more than 1 million cases and 63,000 deaths reported in the U.S., according to Johns Hopkins University.

Decision on dine-in service ‘soon’

Gov. Henry McMaster said he would make a decision “soon” on whether to allow restaurants to offer dine-in service, according to The State.

“I’m confident we’ll have news, stay-tuned,” he said. “We’re moving as quickly, but as safely as we can, and we hope to have some announcements soon.”

School task force discusses reopening

A state task force made up of K-12 educators discussed possible big changes for how schools might operate when they finally reopen, including expanded summer school, split school days, and a make-up week of classes, The State reported.

The AcceleratEd Task Force meeting Thursday was its first, the ideas mentioned are preliminary and subject to change.

“I know we’re looking into a crystal ball and that’s difficult, nobody knows what the virus is going to do come August,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said.

State ban on evictions ends, but fed rule remains

A state ban on evictions is set to expire Friday just as rent comes due for May, but there’s still a national ban on evicting people from their homes until August, The State reports.

A group of attorneys and organizations wants South Carolina Chief Justice Donald Beatty to extend the state order on evictions so there’s no conflict between state and federal law, according to The State.

Myrtle Beach reopens hotels

Myrtle Beach city leaders voted to open hotels and other short-term rentals starting Friday, The Sun News reports. Hotels, resorts and other accommodations have been shut down for about three weeks to try to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Rentals and campgrounds will also open in North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and unincorporated areas of Horry and Georgetown counties after the governor’s “stay home” order expires Friday. Leaders in Pawleys Island decided to keep rentals there closed until at least May 14.

More file for jobless benefits

Almost 8,000 people applied for new unemployment benefits last week in South Carolina, according to the Department of Employment and Workforce.

The number of new jobless claims is much lower than in recent weeks, but unemployment across South Carolina remains at historic highs, The State reports. At least 407,000 have filed for unemployment since the coronavirus pandemic arrived in the state, officials say.

Additional deaths

There have been 29 more coronavirus deaths in South Carolina than previously reported, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Wednesday.

The deaths were missed in official counts due to faulty reporting from state and local officials, according to the DHEC.

That brings the total fatalities to 232, up from the 203 figure DHEC released earlier in the day Wednesday, The State reported.

“As our state continues to respond to this unprecedented event, DHEC remains committed to ensuring that every South Carolinian who has died from COVID-19 is counted,” Dr. Brannon Traxler said. “This action aligns with efforts currently underway by other states and will assist us in more fully understanding the burden of this disease across the state and those populations who are most severely affected.”

Outdoor dining

A South Carolina restaurant group wants the state to allow restaurants to reopen for outdoor dining by May 4 and to allow indoor dining by May 18, The State reported.

The S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association pushed to allow dining at restaurants during Wednesday’s meeting of Accelerate SC, a group formed by Gov. Henry McMaster to make and implement a plan to reopen the state’s economy.

The association also released a list of guidelines for restaurants to follow in order to keep customers and employees safe.

“We definitely want to get back in business, but we have to do it as safely as possible,” said Bobby Williams, the chairman of the restaurant association and CEO of Lizard’s Thicket.

This story was originally published April 30, 2020 at 7:33 AM.