Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 30
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest case numbers
At least 11,394 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 487 people have died in South Carolina as of Saturday afternoon, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Saturday reported 266 new cases, down from 331 the day before. Friday’s case jump had been the state’s largest single-day increase in COVID-19 cases reported in the state.
State officials on Saturday also reported four additional coronavirus-related deaths. Two patients were in Williamsburg County, and the others were in Clarendon and Florence counties, according to state officials.
More than 5.9 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 103,000 people have died.
Cases increasing as SC reopens
Confirmed 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 on Thursday 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 opened 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.
A drive-thru testing site in Myrtle Beach drew hundreds of cars on Saturday, including some that got in line as early as 8 a.m., The Sun News reported. It was the first day of free COVID-19 testing at a Tidelands Health clinic.
This story was originally published May 30, 2020 at 8:35 AM.
