Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 16
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Record numbers continue
At least 19,990 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 607 have died, according to state health officials.
On Tuesday, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported an additional 595 cases of the virus, continuing the state’s record-breaking streak of new coronavirus cases. DHEC officials have recorded at least 350 new cases each day since June 4.
State health officials also reported five additional deaths in Chesterfield, Colleton, Dillon, and Richland counties.
More than 8.1 million cases of COVID-19 and 441,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 2.1 million cases and 116,000 deaths have been reported.
Columbia may require masks
The Columbia City Council looked at a proposed ordinance Tuesday that would require masks be worn in a variety of situations, The State reported.
No action was taken, but the council wants residents to weigh in. A decision could be made on whether to adopt the ordinance soon, as Mayor Steve Benjamin said an emergency meeting may be called before the next scheduled meeting July 7.
Instances where masks would have to be worn include “anyone inside a public building or waiting to enter a public building; anyone interacting with someone within six feet in an outdoor space; anyone engaged in business in a private space; using public or private transportation, or walking in public where maintaining a six-foot distance from others may not be possible,” The State reported.
Restaurants don’t have to close over COVID-19 cases
The state health department is offering guidance to restaurants where employees test positive for the coronavirus, but it isn’t forcing them to close, the Myrtle Beach Sun News reports.
The guidance follows at least seven restaurants in the Myrtle Beach area saying they would close after an employee tested positive.
“Having a food worker test positive doesn’t mean everyone in the facility was at risk for coming into contact with the virus,” officials said in a statement.
But employees of restaurants that choose to close for additional cleaning will still be eligible for unemployment, they said.
Rep. Tom Rice tests positive
Republican congressman Tom Rice, a South Carolina Republican whose seventh district includes the Myrtle Beach area, and members of his family have tested positive for the coronavirus, he said Tuesday.
Rice, who is running for re-election, called the virus the “Wuhan Flu” in an announcement on Facebook.
No new cases at church with outbreak
First Baptist Church of North said it has had no new COVID-19 cases since about 40 congregants were exposed to the virus on May 24.
In a video shared on the church’s Facebook page Monday, Pastor Sean McElrath said he had “been hoping and praying that after two weeks we would be able to make this announcement.”
“There’s not one single member who has the coronavirus, and we give glory to God today,” he said.
The church opted to shut down May 26 after a person who was not showing symptoms attended services and later tested positive for the virus.
Restaurants split on face mask requirement
Columbia-area restaurants are divided on whether their employees should be required to wear face coverings.
State health officials, and S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, have “urged restaurants to take abundant precautions” but do not currently require restaurant employees to wear masks, The State reports.
In a random visit to 12 locally owned restaurants in and around downtown Columbia, The State found fewer than half enforced face mask rules for their employees. They had, however, instituted other safety measures, such as distancing tables and replacing condiment bottles with individual packets.
This story was originally published June 16, 2020 at 7:21 AM.
