Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 3
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases more than 6,600
South Carolina’s number of coronavirus infections rose by 141 cases Sunday.
Total infections in the state have now reached 6,626, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported.
Eight new deaths were also reported Sunday, bringing the state’s COVID-19 death toll to 275, officials said.
Fairfield County had the most new cases with 26, followed by Richland County with 18.
Most of the deaths continue to be seniors.
All eight new deaths announced Sunday were among seniors, including two in Richland County. Deaths were also reported in Berkeley, Clarendon, Greenville, Horry, Lexington and Spartanburg counties. (
More than 60,000 tested
The state reports 61,616 people have been tested for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 55,127 came back negative, based on data released Saturday.
This includes 588 health care workers, the state says.
Based on data collected in the in the past week, 78% of those infected with the virus have recovered “based on having no reported adverse outcome,” the state says.
The state has an interactive county-by-county map of cases based on ZIP codes at scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease.
Meal program expanded
A program that provides five free meals a week to seniors in South Carolina has been expanded to include more counties amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Emergency Senior Nutrition Program will now be available in 16 counties, including Anderson, Clarendon, Lexington, Richland, Barnwell, Calhoun, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Horry, Kershaw, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg and Williamsburg.
Those 60 and older, or those caring for a senior, who live in the county of distribution are eligible and must bring a state-issued ID and provide a name, address and phone number.
Stay-home order ends Monday
South Carolina’s “home or work” order put in place April 7 becomes voluntary Monday, meaning you have more freedom to leave your home.
The order mandated the reasons people could leave their homes to “essential business, essential activities, or critical infrastructure operations.”
Gov. Henry McMaster also announced Friday that restaurants will be able to start serving customers outdoors Monday, May 4. Indoor dining was banned March 17 to prevent crowds from gathering.
The S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association hopes the state will allow the return of indoor dining on May 18.
Catholic masses resume
Public Catholic masses resume on May 11, according to the Diocese of Charleston which leads the state’s Catholic churches. Masses were halted March 24, to prevent attendees from spreading the virus while in close contact.
Safety procedures for masses are being created “based on public health recommendations, state government orders and the practices being employed by other parishes that have restarted services.”
However, church officials acknowledged a risk of contracting COVID-19 remains and said Bishop Robert Guglielmone “will continue granting dispensation” to those who still feel uncomfortable about attending weekend Mass, The State reported.
This story was originally published May 3, 2020 at 7:23 AM.