Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 27
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest case numbers
At least 10,623 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 466 people have died in South Carolina as of Wednesday afternoon, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 207 new cases and 20 additional deaths. The deaths were in Beaufort, Charleston, Colleton, Darlington, Fairfield, Florence, Horry, Lee, Orangeburg, Richland, and Spartanburg counties.
More than 5.6 million people around the world have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 354,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.6 million have tested positive for the virus and over 100,000 people have died.
USC to require masks
Starting June 1, the University of South Carolina will require everyone to wear face masks on its main campus for protection against the coronavirus, The State reported.
“We wear face coverings in order to protect others, and as Gamecocks we pledge to demonstrate concern for others,” university president Robert Caslen said in an announcement Wednesday. “The research is clear: an infected person wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of COVID-19 to others.”
DHEC director quits
Rick Toomey, director of the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, announced he is stepping down from the role amid the coronavirus pandemic, citing personal health reasons.
Toomey previously took a break in March due to heart problems and high blood pressure and returned several weeks later.
SC justice: Courthouse employees can wear masks
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beatty has ordered that courthouse employees and visitors are allowed to wear face masks as protection against the coronavirus, The State reported, though it isn’t clear why he felt it was necessary to issue the order.
“It is ordered all persons employed in or visiting county court facilities statewide may wear personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, protective masks,” Beatty wrote. “Any person who inhibits or prevents employees or persons visiting county court facilities statewide from wearing personal protective equipment is subject to contempt for violation of this order.”
Beatty has not responded to questions about why the order was issued, according to The State.
Masks have become highly politicized amid the pandemic, and their use or lack thereof has even led to violent altercations and killings across the country.
Church closes after exposure
A church in rural South Carolina is closing temporarily after a member of the congregation tested positive for the coronavirus, The State reports.
About 40 people at the First Baptist Church in the town of North may have been exposed to the virus on Sunday, the church said.
The church had reopened for services three weeks ago, The State reports. It now plans to remain closed through June.
More layoffs at Boeing
Boeing said it plans to lay off more than 6,000 people nationally, including some in South Carolina, because of the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on the airline industry.
The layoffs include workers at Boeing’s factories in North Charleston and Ladson, according to The State. More than 5,000 workers, including some in South Carolina, already took voluntary layoffs this year, the company said.
Boeing said last month it was slowing production of the 787 Dreamliner at its sprawling campus in North Charleston.
Where you can get tested
Public health officials have been rolling out mobile testing sites around South Carolina and now have 150 permanent testing sites, according to DHEC.
This map from The State lists testing sites. Zoom in to find the testing site nearest you and click on the blue pin for details. Some testing sites require an appointment or referral.
Trump threatens to move RNC
President Donald Trump threatened to move the Republican National Convention if North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper does not permit “full attendance” at the event, The Charlotte Observer reports. The convention is scheduled for Charlotte in August.
The state’s plan to reopen from the coronavirus only allows indoor gatherings of up to 10 people for now. Organizers planned for about 50,000 for the convention and related events before the pandemic shut down most of the country, according to The Observer.
The president threatened to move the convention in a series of tweets on Monday, demanding an answer from the governor.
“They must be immediately given an answer by the Governor as to whether or not the space will be allowed to be fully occupied. If not, we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site,” Trump tweeted.
The governor’s spokesperson responded, “State health officials are working with the RNC and will review its plans as they make decisions about how to hold the convention in Charlotte. North Carolina is relying on data and science to protect our state’s public health and safety.”
White House honors SC company
President Donald Trump honored a small company in Charleston that normally makes fashionable bow ties for its donation of 3,000 face masks, The State reports.
The White House recognized Brackish Bow Ties for donating the masks to health care workers in South Carolina and other states. Brackish started its Masks by Makers program by making masks out of the leftover fabric from its unique bow ties. The company is also giving away masks to customers who order the company’s products online.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 7:35 AM.