Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on July 1

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

Daily cases hit record high

At least 37,809 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 759 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported an additional 24 deaths Wednesday, making it South Carolina’s deadliest day since the state began monitoring the pandemic in March.

Health officials also reported an additional 1,497 people tested positive for COVID-19, the eighth consecutive day that more than 1,000 new cases have been added.

Hospitalizations continue to rise, with 1,160 beds filled Wednesday by COVID-19 patients or people suspected of having the virus. That’s up from Tuesday’s total of 1,021. There are 7,815 occupied beds across the state, putting hospitals at 73.6% capacity.

As many as 86% of all coronavirus cases in South Carolina have likely gone undiagnosed or untested, health officials said. That would put the total number of cases since March at an estimated 295,264 as of Tuesday.

Worldwide, more than 10.5 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 512,000 deaths have been reported as of Tuesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 2.6 million cases and more than 127,000 deaths have been reported.

McMaster: No college football this fall if COVID trends continue

Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday if current coronavirus trends continue, he will not be lifting statewide bans placed on large venues and events like spectator sports, movie theaters and concerts -- and that would mean no high school or college football come this fall.

“I will not remove those restrictions. I cannot lift those restrictions, if these numbers continue to rise and the danger persists. I can’t do it. I won’t do it,” McMaster said of the restrictions, which have been in place since March. “This fall will not be like other falls. We will not be able to have college football. We will not be able to have high school football.”

Still not interested in imposing a statewide mask mandate, McMaster once again hammered on the personal responsibility of South Carolinians to cover their faces and social distance.

“Let me make it very clear. Wear a mask and social distance now so we can enjoy high school and college football in South Carolina this fall,” McMaster posted to Twitter immediately following the Wednesday press conference.

Officials worried about July 4th weekend

Health officials have asked that people stay home during upcoming Fourth of July festivities to prevent spreading the coronavirus, but warned Wednesday that those who do go out must maintain social distancing and wear masks, or their may be significant consequences, The State reported.

“We could see cases rise to the levels that none of us could have previously imagined,” state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said.

“As we celebrate our nation’s birthday this weekend, it’s a time for us to remember all of those who have sacrificed before us, and in a way this pandemic is challenging each of us to consider our duty to one another,” Bell went on to say. “It’s a duty that requires us to look out for the well-being of others, despite the inconvenience and the sacrifice that’s being asked of us all. And if we don’t take that action now, if we don’t social distance and wear our masks, we’ll see more of our friends, our family members, our loved ones, who’ll continue to become ill, become hospitalized and many will die.”

Hospitalization spike for young people

Prisma Health, a major hospital system for Upstate and the Midlands, reports a spike in young adults having to be admitted to the hospital for COVID-19, according to The State.

DHEC recently reported an almost 1,000% increase in people 11 to 20 years old testing positive for the virus and a more than 400% increase for people 21 to 30.

Minor league baseball canceled

The 2020 minor league baseball season is canceled thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. That means South Carolina’s minor league teams — the Columbia Fireflies, Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Greenville Drive, Charleston RiverDogs and Augusta GreenJackets — won’t have any games this year.

In Myrtle Beach, the Pelicans’ stadium has been turned into a free COVID testing site, with regular testing days hosted by Tidelands Health and DHEC, according to The Sun News. The next testing days scheduled at the stadium are July 17 and July 31.

Where and when to wear masks

With more South Carolina communities adopting mask mandates, each with varying rules, many may be feeling unsure about when and where they should wear a mask — and the consequences for not wearing one.

Here’s a rundown of mask requirements in towns and cities, including Columbia, North Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant and Spartanburg.

With potential fines ranging from $25 to $500 or more, it’s worth it to know the rules wherever you are or may be going in the Palmetto State.

North Myrtle Beach mandates masks

The North Myrtle Beach City Council passed a new rule Tuesday requiring people to wear masks while in the city, The Sun News reported, making it the first Horry County community to do so.

“There is a responsibility for all of us to look out for the health and safety or our community,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said. “Wearing a mask is a simple thing. It’s easy to wear them into the stores.”

Stay home for Fourth of July, DHEC says

State health officials are asking people in South Carolina to avoid gatherings and stay home to celebrate the Fourth of July.

For people who do go to a fireworks display for July Fourth, public health officials ask that everyone stay in their cars, The State reports.

“More and more of South Carolina’s positive (coronavirus) cases are individuals who participated in group gatherings without keeping a safe distance from others or wearing masks,” DHEC officials said, according to The State.

100 students from DC area test positive after Myrtle Beach trip

Public health officials in Virginia say about 100 students from the Washington, D.C., area tested positive for COVID-19 after vacationing in Myrtle Beach, The Sun News reports.

Coronavirus cases have been linked back to South Carolina beach towns in tourists from Kentucky, Ohio, eastern Virginia and West Virginia, according to The Sun News.

What people are talking about

Myrtle Beach has gotten some negative attention on social media as more out-of-state tourists test positive for the coronavirus. The University of South Carolina Social Media Insights Lab looked at what people are saying. Read more here.

This story was originally published July 1, 2020 at 7:29 AM.