Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 29
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest case numbers
At least 11,000 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 483 people have died in South Carolina as of Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 331 positive tests — the largest single-day increase yet — and 13 more deaths.
The deaths were in Berkeley, Darlington, Fairfield, Florence, Greenville, Horry, Spartanburg, Laurens, Lee, Saluda and Williamsburg counties.
More than 5.8 million people around the world have tested positive for COVID-19 and more than 360,000 have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.7 million people have tested positive for the virus and more than 100,000 people have died.
Virus increasing as SC reopens
Coronavirus cases in South Carolina are increasing as the state continues to reopen its economy, DHEC data show.
The surge in cases could have to do with increases in testing, according to The State, but public health officials say to look at the percentage of positive tests as an indicator.
“That proportion has increased over the last two weeks, according to DHEC data. From May 13 to May 26, the percent of positive cases trended upward, changing from 2.7% to a peak of 7.7%,” The State reports.
Columbia faces $20 million revenue shortfall
Mayor Steve Benjamin told Congress on Friday that shutdowns from the coronavirus have cost the city of Columbia $20 million in revenue, The State reports.
“Congress must act decisively to provide the necessary funding and support for our nation’s cities,” Benjamin said. “The next bill must include targeted, flexible funding for cities.”
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.
New testing sites opening
New coronavirus testing locations will open across the state on Friday and Saturday, 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.
This story was originally published May 29, 2020 at 7:36 AM.
