Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 21

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 9,379 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 416 have died as of Thursday afternoon, according to state health officials.

On Thursday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 199 new cases of COVID-19. Nine additional deaths were also reported.

New deaths were reported in Clarendon, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee and Spartanburg counties.

More than 5 million cases of COVID-19 and 332,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.5 million cases and nearly 94,000 deaths have been reported.

A nurse in every school?

AcceleratedEd, a state task force providing recommendations for reopening K-12 schools, wants to see full-time nurses on staff in every South Carolina school when classes start again in the fall, The State reported.

“Just important as having a resource officer in a school, every school needs a full-time nurse,” state superintendent Molly Spearman said.

The cost would come in around $10 to $15 million. Officials said it would be a temporary precaution in response to coronavirus.

SCDOT to lose $293 million

With so few motorists on South Carolina roads due to coronavirus restrictions, the state Department of Transportation is projected to lose out on $293 million over two years in car and gas sales tax revenue, The State reported.

This could throw a wrench in SC road work plans, though not in the short term, officials said. As for the state’s 10-year construction plan, officials were less certain.

30k more unemployment claims

South Carolinians filed almost 30,000 new claims for unemployment last week, according to the Department of Employment and Workforce.

More than 500,000 people have filed first-time unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic began to shut down the state’s economy in March, The State reports.

The department said it has paid out more than $1.35 billion to unemployed people in South Carolina from a combination of state and federal funds.

Renters could get $1,500

State housing officials say renters who lost their jobs because of the pandemic could get $1,500 from the South Carolina Housing Finance and Development Authority. To qualify, renters have to make 80% or less of the area’s median income, The State reports.

Evictions in South Carolina were suspended as restaurants, bars and other employers were shut down, but are now allowed to go forward in the courts system now.

Youth sports returning soon

Gov. Henry McMaster announced Wednesday he is signing an executive order allowing youth sports to begin practice 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.”

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 attractions can resume operations, including mini golf, water parks, 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.

Former Miss SC sues university

Davia Bunch, who was crowned Miss South Carolina in 2018, has filed a lawsuit against the University of South Carolina on behalf of the entire student body, demanding refunds for tuition and academic fees since the campus shut down before the end of the spring semester.

Classes were moved online, and the university has said it will not issue tuition refunds, The State reported.

The university has provided refunds on meal plans, parking permits and on-campus housing, but the lawsuit 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.

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.

This story was originally published May 21, 2020 at 7:37 AM.