Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on July 8

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

38 more deaths reported

At least 48,770 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 876 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 1,537 new cases. South Carolina has added more than 1,000 confirmed cases on all but one day since June 22.

DHEC reported a record 38 deaths Wednesday, up from 19 Tuesday. Public health officials said some of the deaths happened earlier but were not reported to DHEC at the time.

Worldwide, more than 12 million cases of the coronavirus and more than 548,000 deaths have been reported, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 3 million cases and more than 132,000 deaths have been reported.

SC is a global coronavirus hot zone

If South Carolina were a country, it would have the third highest COVID-19 infection rate in the world, according to The State.

Only Arizona and Florida are faring worse, the figures show. In fourth place, just after South Carolina, is the nation of Bahrain, followed by Louisiana.

And in a separate study by the Harvard Global Health Institute, researchers say at least 19 counties in the Palmetto State are at the “tipping point” of losing control of the outbreak, up from 11 last week.

Richland County reopening pools, with new rules

Richland County is reopening three public swimming pools -- the Eastover Park Pool, St. Andrews Park Pool and Trenholm Pool -- but with new rules and procedures to prevent coronavirus spread, The State reported.

Only 50 swimmers at a time will be allowed in any of the pools, for a maximum of one hour, and anyone wanting to take a dip must also reserve their visit online in advance.

Chairs and life jackets won’t be provided, so it’s on visitors to supply their own. Social distancing and mask rules are enforced when out of the water, on the pool deck and locker rooms.

The pools are open Wednesday through Friday, 2-5 p.m., and 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Record number in hospitals

There were 1,324 patients in South Carolina’s hospitals with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, a new record high, The State reported.

South Carolina has 7,734 hospital beds in total, and is currently at 72.9% capacity. Hospitals statewide are, on average, at 73% capacity.

Gov. Henry McMaster has said the state has a plan ready if the problem continues to get worse, and added that he may order elective procedures postponed once again, if necessary.

Medicaid will cover testing for uninsured

South Carolina’s uninsured are now covered for the cost of COVID-19 testing, the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday.

South Carolinians who are uninsured, and have proper citizenship and immigration status, can apply for reimbursement through the state Medicaid program, The State reported. A Social Security number is also required.

Tests must be done through providers that accept Healthy Connections Medicaid. All providers that do are listed on the SCDHHS website.

Inmate dies

An inmate at Kirkland Correctional Institution died at a hospital near the Columbia prison after contracting the coronavirus, the Department of Corrections said Monday.

Mark Lee Trammell, 60, was already terminally ill when he tested positive for COVID-19, The State reports. He had been in the hospital since July 2, according to the department.

Trammel is the fourth inmate from a prison in South Carolina confirmed to have died after testing positive for the coronavirus, according to The State.

This story was originally published July 8, 2020 at 7:37 AM.