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

Cases top 6,400

At least 6,489 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 267 have died as of Saturday, according to state health officials.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 226 new cases and 11 deaths Saturday. Lexington County had the most new cases at 43, followed by Richland County with 33.

Nine of the deaths were seniors from Edgefield, Florence, Greenville, Laurens, Lee, Lexington, and Richland counties. Two of the deaths occurred in middle-aged individuals from Richland and Sumter counties, the state said.

More than 3.4 million cases of COVID-19 and 242,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, with more than 1.1 million cases and 65,000 deaths reported in the United States, according to Johns Hopkins University.

A day of prayer

Gov. Henry McMaster said he will issue a proclamation declaring this coming Sunday an official day of prayer for South Carolina, The State reported.

“I think, and I know others agree as well, that it’s time that we pause, we thank God for where we are, for our lives in South Carolina,” said McMaster. “We want to recognize and console those who have lost loved ones, those who are yet to lose loved ones, friends, families.”

McMaster okays outside dining

McMaster made a move toward loosening restrictions on restaurants Friday, announcing that they will be allowed to serve patrons in outdoor dining areas starting Monday.

Social distancing must be observed, The State reported. Tables must be at least 8 feet apart, groups can be no larger than 8 people, and tables and seating must be sanitized after use.

Work from home if you want

McMaster said Friday his statewide “home or work” order will be optional, starting Monday.

McMaster is also doing away with mandatory 14-day quarantines for out-of-state visitors, The State reported.

Eviction ban extended

A ban on foreclosures and evictions that was set to expire Friday has been extended until May 15, The State reports. South Carolina Chief Justice Donald Beatty extended the order Thursday.

Beatty also ordered landlords to follow new federal rules that ban evictions and foreclosures until August. That new law, approved as part of the CARES Act economic package, applies to any property that received federal money.

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 met for the first time Thursday. The ideas are preliminary.

“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.

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.

Hotels in Myrtle Beach can honor existing reservations for the next two weeks and begin accepting new reservations for after May 15, according to The Sun News. Hotels will have new rules to follow if they open, including installing Plexiglass partitions at front desks and allowing only one person or family on an elevator at a time.

Swimming pools and dining areas remained closed until McMaster’s state restrictions are lifted.

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. Pawleys Island will lift hotel restrictions on May 8, The Sun News reports.

This story was originally published May 2, 2020 at 7:47 AM.