Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 20
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 9,000 test positive
At least 9,175 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 407 have died as of Wednesday afternoon, according to state health officials.
On Wednesday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 125 new cases of COVID-19. Eight additional deaths were also reported.
New deaths were reported in Clarendon, Colleton, Fairfield, Lexington, and Richland counties.
More than 4.9 million cases of COVID-19 and 328,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.5 million cases and nearly 93,000 deaths have been reported.
Former Miss SC sues USC
Davia Bunch, who was crowned Miss South Carolina in 2018, has filed a lawsuit against the University of South Carolina on behalf of the whole student body, demanding refunds for tuition and academic fees since the campus shut down before semester’s end due to coronavirus.
Classes were moved online, and the university has previously stated it will not be issuing any refunds, The State reported.
The university has provided refunds on meal plans, parking permits and on-campus housing, but the suit says that isn’t sufficient.
USC’s “online instruction is simply not commensurate with the same classes being taught in person, as reflected by the differences in tuition,” the complaint alleges, according to The State.
Youth sports returning soon
Gov. Henry McMaster announced Wednesday he is signing an executive order allowing youth sports to begin practicing on May 30 and to play games starting June 15, The State reported.
While youth sports can resume, there will be some restrictions in place.
The State has a full run-down of do’s and don’ts.
“Coaches should wear face coverings at all times. Players should be encouraged to wear face coverings when not actively participating on the field of play, provided the use of a face covering will not otherwise jeopardize the player’s health.”
Also, handshakes and high-fiving won’t be permitted, among other things.
Attractions to reopen
Amusement parks, museums, and other attractions will be allowed to reopen Friday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced, just in time for Memorial Day weekend.
A broad swath of attraction can resume operations, including aquariums, bingo halls, and arcades.
Not included in the reopening are night clubs, bowling alleys, concert venues, theaters, auditoriums, performing arts centers, racetracks and adult entertainment venues, according to The State.
Myrtle Beach prepares for busy Memorial Day weekend
Last weekend, Myrtle Beach saw heavy traffic, crowded beaches, an impromptu dance party in the middle of Ocean Boulevard and a shootout in the middle of the city’s tourist district.
It was the first full weekend for tourists since McMaster shut down restaurants, bars and hotels across the state. Now elected leaders are getting ready for a busy Memorial Day weekend, according to The Sun News.
The annual Atlantic Beach Bike Week has been postponed, but city leaders are still planning to call in outside police officers and may restrict traffic in some areas, The Sun News reports.
Employees at manufacturing plant test positive
Six workers at a factory in York County tested positive for the coronavirus recently, The Rock Hill Herald reports. The six work at the MacLean Power Systems plant between Rock Hill and York.
The company said 350 people work at the facility that manufactures equipment for the utility industry, according to The Herald.
Samsung plant reopens
The Samsung plant in Newberry has reopened, and it wants to hire new workers, The State reported Tuesday..
The plant closed for several weeks in April in response to a coronavirus outbreak. Now back in operation, it’s offering $350 hiring bonuses for new employees and has a “virtual” hiring event scheduled for Thursday.
About 800 people are currently employed at the facility, according to The State. Officials weren’t able to say how many jobs are open.
USC cancels in-person graduation
The University of South Carolina won’t hold an in-person graduation this year due to the coronavirus, the school said Tuesday. But it does plan to host a virtual commencement at some point in the near future, according to The State.
Dates for the virtual commencement haven’t been announced.
“I know this is disappointing news, but please know our decision was made after much deliberation and in consultation with public health experts and venue professionals,” USC President Robert Caslen said in a message to students.
Columbia parks to reopen
The Columbia City Council announced that tennis courts, athletic fields and similar public facilities would reopen on Monday, with some restrictions on the number of people allowed to use them at the same time, The State reported.
This is the first step in a five-part plan to fully reopen Columbia’s public parks.
Barbershops reopen after more than 6 weeks
Barbershops and salons around Columbia reported pent up demand and long waits for haircuts when they opened Monday, The State reports. The governor ordered barbers to shut down March 31 as the state closed businesses to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Salons said they were limiting how many people were allowed inside at one time, increasing cleaning and asking customers to wear masks.
DHEC, hospitals offer free testing in 3 counties
Hospitals in Horry, Georgetown and Williamsburg counties are working with DHEC to offer free coronavirus testing for residents, The Sun News reports.
State officials say they hope to test 8,000 people in the Pee Dee region by June. Tidelands Health says the testing will be open to anyone who shows up, but people under 18 will need to have a parent or guardian present.
This story was originally published May 20, 2020 at 7:26 AM.