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

Cases top 6,800

At least 6,841 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 296 have died, according to state health officials.

On Tuesday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 93 new cases of COVID-19 and 13 new deaths.

More than 3.6 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 256,000 deaths have been reported worldwide. In the United States, more than 1.2 million cases and almost 71,000 deaths have been reported.

Lancaster County plans reopening

Officials in Lancaster County are planning a phased reopening starting May 11 — following a 14-day decline in active coronavirus cases, the Rock Hill Herald reported.

“While we are eager to fully return to normal operations as soon as possible, the safety and well-being of the public, our employees, and their families drive our decisions,” said Steve Willis, county administrator. “This phased approach allows us to reopen smartly with the ability to revert back to our current status if needed.”

Young crowds flock Midland restaurants

Long lines formed outside restaurants in Five Points, an urban village near the University of South Carolina campus, on Monday evening after the ban on outdoor dining was lifted.

Photographs and media reports showed young people outside restaurants like Jake’s, Publico and Salty Nut.

“Those seen on social media were not always practicing social distancing,” The State reported. Columbia police had to intervene by asking patrons to distance themselves.

They later told Jon Sears, owner of Jake’s, that officers would issue tickets “if congregations on the street continue,” The State reported.

SC hospitals in COVID drug trial

Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center are part of a medical trial for a drug gaining traction as a possible coronavirus treatment, The State reports.

The hospitals are part of the Food and Drug Administration’s fast-tracked trials on remdesivir. Dr. Anthony Fauci, with the White House’s coronavirus task force, said showed promise in earlier trials, according to The State.

Myrtle Beach hotels open with restrictions

Hotels are beginning to reopen along the Grand Strand, which relies on tourism for much of its economy. Hotels have been closed for more than a month, but towns and counties are now allowing short-term rentals to reopen with a patchwork of rules for social distancing in hopes the virus does not spread as tourists return, The Sun News reports.

The beaches are open, but state emergency orders mean hotel swimming pools, spas, indoor dining areas and workout facilities are still closed.

Outbreak at adult care home

Officials reported a coronavirus outbreak cluster at a state-run adult care home for people with intellectual disabilities in Florence, The State reports.

More than 40 staff and residents at the Pee Dee Regional Center have tested positive for the virus, according to the state Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. One of the residents died from the virus, the department said.

Which restaurants are reopening?

Gov. Henry McMaster lifted a restriction on outdoor dining last week, and restaurants across the state are firing up their kitchens and opening up their patios for patrons.

The State reported on which Columbia-area restaurants are serving again. And The Sun News put together a list of some of the Myrtle Beach area restaurants opening up.

But some owners also said they worried about welcoming customers back for a sit-down meal right now.

“It’s too soon,” Motor Supply Co. Bistro owner Eddie Wales said. “We don’t feel comfortable right now. Plus carry out has been tremendous.”

Here’s how it went for some Lowcountry restaurants reopening with outdoor dining, from The Island Packet.

Midlands mall reopens

Columbiana Centre, the largest mall in the Midlands, reopened over the weekend, according to The State.

The shopping center is taking precautions to keep patrons safe, including hand-sanitizing stations, frequent cleanings and promoting social distancing, the outlet reported.

“We are working diligently to provide a safe, clean environment where people feel comfortable shopping, dining and enjoying their time,” according to an announcement on the Columbiana Centre website.

This story was originally published May 5, 2020 at 7:07 AM.