Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 4

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

Fifth day of 200-plus new cases

At least 13,005 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 525 have died as of Thursday, according to state officials.

On Thursday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 361 new cases of COVID-19. It was the sixth consecutive day health officials have reported more than 200 new cases, and four of the last seven days have seen more than 300 new cases reported.

The department also reported 7 additional deaths in Florence, Greenville, Lexington, Richland, and Spartanburg counties.

More than 6.5 million cases of the virus have been reported worldwide and more than 388,000 have died as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.8 million have tested positive and more than 108,000 people have died.

Hurricane season amid pandemic

Forecasters are expecting a particularly intense hurricane season, and coupled with the coronavirus pandemic and ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd, South Carolina officials are readying for what could be a rough few months, The State reported.

“There’re a lot of challenges coming at one time,” Gov. Henry McMaster said at a Thursday press conference, but added that state agencies are preparing for the worst and will be ready.

SC Department of Health and Environmental Control officials said people must keep COVID-19 in mind on top of their hurricane emergency plan, and recommended that coastal residents have masks, soap and disinfectant ready to take with them if forced to evacuate.

Unemployment price tag grows

South Carolina has paid out almost $2 billion in unemployment claims since the coronavirus pandemic began in the state, according to the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

More than half a million people in South Carolina have applied for new unemployment benefits since the governor declared a state of emergency in March, according to The State.

Last week about 19,000 people filed for jobless benefits for the first time, data show. The number of new claims filed each week has been falling for the past seven weeks, but unemployment in the state remains at historic levels.

Why are case numbers going up?

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control told reporters Wednesday that it is noticing an “uptick in trends marking the spread of the coronavirus,” The State reported

Two factors are probably contributing to the higher case count as the state reopens, DHEC said: more testing and less social distancing.

“We do think some of those increased case counts represent a true increase and likely because we have seen a lot more congregating and not maintaining social distancing, not masking,” Director of Public Health Joan Duwve told reporters.

Estimate: More than 90,000 infections

Though the official infection count in South Carolina is nearing 13,000, the Department of Health and Environmental Control estimates that more than 90,000 residents have actually had the coronavirus, The State reported.

Health officials shared the estimate Wednesday afternoon.

Protests and coronavirus spread

Health officials are cautioning protesters to take the threat of coronavirus seriously, as large demonstrations provide a perfect opportunity for the virus to spread, The State reported.

Groups have been gathering across South Carolina to protest the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died last week after being pinned by a Minneapolis police officer.

“One thing we do know about this virus is that the louder you speak, the more likely you are to transmit if you are infected, or if you are singing at sort of a loud volume, you are more likely to transmit if you are infected,’’ said Joan Duwve, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s public health director.

“These are things that commonly happen at protests,’’ Duwve added. “I’m not saying they should not be done, but just that people should be aware of the increased risk.’’

Duwve said if individuals are going to go out and protest, they should still take precautions, like wearing masks and trying to social distance as much as possible.

This story was originally published June 4, 2020 at 7:27 AM.