Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 26
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest case numbers
At least 10,416 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 446 people have died in South Carolina as of Tuesday afternoon, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 253 new cases and six additional deaths. The deaths were in Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Lexington, and Spartanburg counties.
More than 5.5 million people around the world have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 350,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.6 million have tested positive for the virus and almost 100,000 people have died.
Judge rules on mail-in ballots
Voters casting their ballots by mail in the June 9 primary will not need a witness to sign their absentee vote, a federal judge ruled.
U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs ruled against the state and issued the preliminary injunction Monday, The State reports. The governor can still appeal the ruling.
Voters who have the coronavirus would risk infecting others if they were required to have a witness sign their ballot, according to the ruling. The judge also ordered the state Elections Commission to get the word out to voters that they would not need a witness to sign absentee ballots.
“During this pandemic, absentee voting is the safest tool through which voters can use to effectuate their fundamental right to vote,” the judge wrote.
Crowds, several shootings in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand were mostly open for Memorial Day weekend. Some beaches got busy and Myrtle Beach’s tourist areas, especially along the boardwalk, started to look like summer in terms of crowds.
There were three shootings along Myrtle Beach’s busy boardwalk in about a week, according to The Sun News.
But in other spots along the Grand Strand, people were trying to keep social distance while still getting out for the holiday weekend, The Sun News reports.
This story was originally published May 26, 2020 at 7:50 AM.
