Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 28

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

Latest case numbers

At least 10,788 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 470 people have died in South Carolina as of Thursday afternoon, according to state officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 156 positive tests and 4 additional deaths. Wednesday marked the highest single-day death toll in the state since the pandemic began with 20 new deaths.

The deaths were in Chesterfield, Fairfield, Greenville and York counties.

More than 5.7 million people around the world have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 358,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.7 million have tested positive for the virus and more than 100,000 people have died.

McMaster extends state of emergency

Gov. Henry McMaster extended the state of emergency in South Carolina as the state continues to grapple with COVID-19.

He first declared the state of emergency on March 13, The State reports. Each one has lasted 15 days.

McMaster told reporters extending the state of emergency will give South Carolina continued access to federal funds set aside for its coronavirus response.

DHEC releases new testing sites

New coronavirus testing locations will open across the state on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30, The State reports.

The tests are free but some locations run in partnership with Kroger and Harris Teeter require appointments ahead of time.

A list of new testing sites can be found here.

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.

Rental assistance funds drying up

Almost half of the funds allocated to help home renters in South Carolina have been spent in the first week of the program, The State reports.

More than 2,000 renters had applied by Wednesday. The program, which received $5 million from the housing authority, grants qualified tenants up to $1,500 in back rent if they’ve lost their job or money because of the coronavirus.

More than $3 million of that could be ready to go out if the current applicants are approved.

High school sports cleared for summer workouts

High school sports teams in South Carolina have gotten the go-ahead for summer workouts from the S.C. High School League commissioner, The State reports. But the league is leaving it up to individual school districts to say when teams can start practicing.

The association that governs private schools in the state said workouts could begin June 1. But the High School League, which oversees sports at public schools, did not give coaches a start date. The league said sports can start when their district or school allows academic group activities back on campus, according to The State.

Unemployment applications increase again

Almost 25,000 people in South Carolina filed for new unemployment benefits last week, according to the state Department of Employment and Workforce.

More than 540,000 people have filed for unemployment since the pandemic began to impact South Carolina, The State reports. The number of new jobless claims has been dropping, but unemployment in the state remains at historic highs.

State officials say they have paid out more than $1.5 billion in unemployment benefits over the past nine weeks from a combination of state and federal money.

DHEC director quits

Rick Toomey, director of the S.C. 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 workers and visitors 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 reports.

“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 led to violent altercations and killings across the country.

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.”

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.

This story was originally published May 28, 2020 at 7:25 AM.