Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on July 2

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

Daily cases hit another record high

At least 39,587 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus, and 777 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported an additional 19 deaths Thursday.

Health officials also reported Thursday an additional 1,629 people tested positive for COVID-19, the ninth day in a row with more than 1,000 new confirmed cases.

Greenville County reported the most new confirmed cases Thursday at 246, DHEC said. Charleston County had 244 and Horry County reported 179.

Worldwide, more than 10.8 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 520,000 deaths have been reported as of Thursday, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 2.7 million cases and more than 128,000 deaths have been reported.

Richland County to require masks

Richland County Council passed an ordinance Thursday requiring people to wear masks while patronizing area businesses, The State reported.

Richland County joined a growing number of municipalities to pass mask mandates in an effort to slow spread of the coronavirus.

The ordinance goes into effect July 6, and there will be a $25 fine for violators.

Lexington passes mask mandate

The town of Lexington is now requiring people to wear masks inside of businesses, The State reported.

The new rule went into effect immediately following a Thursday vote.

“The town council and the town of Lexington has determined, based on the recommendations of public health experts and responsive to a serious threat to the public health, and welfare of its citizens, that it would serve the public interest ... to require that individuals wear face coverings in certain situations and locations,” the ordinance said.

More cities, towns require masks

Myrtle Beach and Charleston County are the latest local governments to pass emergency orders requiring people to wear masks, and more town and city councils have plans to vote on similar mandates this week.

McClatchy News and The State are tracking local emergency mask orders here.

What would happen if SC required masks?

Public health researchers say the number of new daily coronavirus cases in South Carolina would drop dramatically if the state required people to wear masks.

Forecasts from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation show South Carolina’s daily case counts plummet if people start wearing masks when they can’t maintain social distancing, The Sun News reports.

The University of Washington forecast models are used by federal public health officials and the state DHEC to predict the future of the pandemic.

McMaster: No football this fall if COVID trends continue

Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday if current coronavirus trends continue, he will not lift statewide bans on large venues and events such as spectator sports, movie theaters and concerts — and that would mean no high school or college football this fall.

“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 rules, which have been in place since March.

The governor has resisted issuing a statewide mask mandate. Instead, McMaster once again hammered on the personal responsibility of people in South Carolina to cover their faces and practice social distancing.

“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 a Wednesday press conference.

Officials worried about July 4th weekend

Health officials have asked that people stay home for Fourth of July festivities to prevent spreading the coronavirus. They warned Wednesday that those who do go out must maintain social distancing and wear masks, or there 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 said Wednesday.

Hospitalizations spike for young people

Prisma Health, a major hospital system for Upstate and the Midlands, reports a spike in young adults 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.

What people are talking about

Social media conversations about the Fourth of July in South Carolina have focused more on fireworks and celebrations than staying home, according to an analysis by the University of South Carolina Social Media Insights Lab. Read more here.

This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 7:20 AM.