Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 29
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 34,000
At least 34,546 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 717 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday reported an additional 1,320 people tested positive for COVID-19.
Health officials also reported an additional four deaths Monday.
Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 1,032 beds filled by COVID-19 patients, or people suspected of having it. There are 7,336 occupied beds across the state, putting hospitals at 69.8% capacity.
As many as 86% of all coronavirus cases in South Carolina have likely gone undiagnosed or untested, health officials have said. That would put the total number of cases since March at 227,500 as of Sunday.
Worldwide, more than 10 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 504,000 deaths have been reported as of Monday, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 2.5 million cases and more than 126,000 deaths have been reported.
Counties, cities weigh mask mandates
As coronavirus cases continue to rise in South Carolina, county leaders and city council members are thinking more and more about masks and whether or not to require them, the Rock Hill Herald reported.
“I am troubled that our council chairman has not called a special meeting where we can discuss a mask requirement during this COVID-19 pandemic. We owe it to the citizens so that everyone knows where each council member stands on this issue,” York County Councilman William “Bump” Roddey said.
Rock Hill City Council member Nikita Jackson said she has “people text, email, call, and reach out to me saying that they want to help push a requirement that would keep all residents of the city safe.”
The Lancaster City Council is calling a special meeting Tuesday specifically to discuss a possible mask mandate, according to the Rock Hill Herald, and the Chester City Council did the same Monday.
Virus found in juvenile justice facilities
The South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice said at least two minors have tested positive for the coronavirus, The State reports.
One of the minors is at a “community-based residential facility” and the other is at the Midlands Evaluation Center, officials said.
As of Sunday, 16 employees with the department have tested positive for the virus, according to The State.
Hilton Head, Beaufort will require masks
Starting at Wednesday, people in Hilton Head will have to wear a mask when in businesses.
Face masks will be required in commercial spaces such as bars, restaurants, grocery stores and other retail outlets, The Island Packet reports.
People who refuse to wear a mask could face a misdemeanor, which can include up to a $500 fine and 30 days in jail.
The City of Beaufort also passed a mask rule Monday, requiring anyone in public buildings to wear a face covering, according to The Island Packet. People in Beaufort could face a civil penalty and a $50 fine if they refuse to wear a mask.
Cases, hospitalizations spike over weekend
The S.C. DHEC reported 1,599 cases of the coronavirus on Saturday — an all-time daily high for the state since the start of the pandemic.
The previous record of 1,290 was set last week, on Tuesday.
Daily hospitalizations also reached a new high over the weekend.
A total of 954 hospital beds in South Carolina were occupied by coronavirus patients on Sunday, surpassing the previous high of 908 set on Saturday.
Hospitalizations have been sharply increasing in South Carolina.
Hospitals in the state were at about 71% capacity as of Sunday, according to officials. Gov. Henry McMaster has said the state is prepared to implement a plan to create new hospital beds if cases continue surging. He may also require facilities to postpone elective surgeries again if more hospital beds are needed.
Virus activity increasing
Over the past three weeks, South Carolina has consistently seen record daily coronavirus case counts, an indicator that coronavirus activity is increasing dramatically.
Last week, DHEC reported at least 892 new cases every day, reaching a high of 1,599. The week before, daily case counts ranged from 577 to 1,157, The State reports. The week of June 8, the daily count fell between 434 and 802.
The percentage of positive tests, which health officials use to gauge the rate of spread, has also gone up.
The average has risen roughly 10 percentage points over the past 28 days. Last week, the percentage ranged from 12.6% to 20.1%. In May, the percentage ranged from 2% to 4% on average.
State health officials are projecting 7,159 new cases of the coronavirus during the upcoming week.
Health officials say the surge in cases is a result of people not wearing face masks or practicing social distancing.
The state has also been gradually reopening businesses since April 20. But Gov. Henry McMaster says he will not reimpose any restrictions or issue a statewide face mask mandate. Some local governments have issued face mask requirements of their own.
He also says he has no plans to lift restrictions for nightclubs, concert venues, theaters or spectator sports.
Infection rates have been especially high among visitors to South Carolina beaches, and anyone who has been to one recently should get tested for COVID-19, health officials have said.
Myrtle Beach cancels summer camps
Myrtle Beach abruptly canceled its summer camp programs over the weekend. An employee with the summer camp tested positive for the coronavirus, according to The Sun News.
The city said it was notified the employee tested positive on Saturday. Horry County already canceled its summer camp programs as COVID-19 cases in the Myrtle Beach area continue to climb, The Sun News reports.
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 7:10 AM.
