Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 10

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

Cases top 15,000

At least 15,759 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 575 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported an additional 528 positive for COVID-19 tests on Wednesday, and 7 more deaths.

More than 7.3 million cases of the virus and 413,000 deaths have been reported worldwide as of Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 1.9 million positive cases and 112,000 deaths have been reported.

“Individual responsibility” is the answer

Though coronavirus case counts are surging to new highs across South Carolina, Gov. Henry McMaster says he won’t order any businesses closed, or require residents to wear masks, The State reported.

“At this point, the answer is individual responsibility, not mandates from the government,” McMaster said during a Wednesday press conference.

Hospital beds filling up

The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in South Carolina has been increasing.

On Saturday, 482 patients with the virus were being treated in hospitals, The State reported. By Monday, the number jumped to 541.

In six counties on Tuesday, 80% of hospital beds were occupied, according to data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, The Island Packet reported. Four counties saw hospital-bed occupancy rates above 90% last week.

But the higher occupancy rates could be due to hospitals returning to a pre-pandemic normal as they resume elective surgeries, officials say.

“It’s not unusual for hospitals to be hovering in the 80 to 85% range during a non-emergent situation in South Carolina,” Nick Davidson with DHEC said last week.

This story was originally published June 10, 2020 at 7:39 AM.