Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on July 15

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

More than 1,800 new cases reported

At least 62,071 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 984 have died, according to state health officials.

Public health officials reported 1,850 new confirmed COVID-19 cases and no new confirmed deaths from the virus Wednesday. The Department of Health and Environmental Control also reported five probable deaths and five new probable cases.

DHEC said there are 1,560 patients in hospital beds as of Wednesday “who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19.” There are 206 people currently on ventilators for treatment of the virus, according to DHEC.

Public health officials estimate about 86% of people in South Carolina who have contracted the coronavirus since March have not been tested. That means the actual number of cases since the pandemic hit the state is about 443,000, The State reports.

SCDC to expand testing at prisons

The South Carolina Department of Corrections is increasing coronavirus testing at several of its hardest hit facilities, the department announced Wednesday.

Rounds of testing have already been carried out at the Kirkland and Tyger River correctional institutions, The State reported, and testing is schedule to begin Friday at the MacDougall Correctional Institution — where at least 94 inmates have been infected with COVID-19.

Seven inmates in the SCDC system have died due to COVID-19, over 500 have been infected, in addition to 189 staff. Five of the seven deaths have occurred since the beginning of July.

What’s the plan for SC schools?

Gov. Henry McMaster called on South Carolina’s schools to reopen for in-person classes after Labor Day. The governor said school districts should give parents a choice between in-person instruction and virtual classes.

“Try as we might, virtual education is not as good for most children than face to face with an excellent qualified teacher,” McMaster said during a press conference Wednesday.

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread in South Carolina, there’s growing concern that opening schools could make the outbreak worse, according to The State.

Teachers pushed back against the plans, The State reports.

The Palmetto State Teachers Association and grassroots teacher organization SC for Ed oppose the plan. The association said reopening with in-person classes “would be irresponsible and dangerous,” according to The State.

The daily coronavirus case counts now are much higher than when the state shut down schools in the spring, the group said. “We believe this action would needlessly jeopardize the health and safety of our state’s 800,000 students and more than 50,000 teachers.”

Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said the decision on whether to hold in-person classes, or continue distance learning, should be up to individual school districts.

“I want children back face-to-face five days a week as well. Logistically, there are districts who cannot do that and offer good social distancing and safety measures for students and staff,” Spearman said. “I could not support what is a mandate that they all offer five days a week.”

High school sports will start late

The high school sports season will start late this fall. The plan, approved by the South Carolina High School League Executive Committee Wednesday, calls for practices to begin Aug. 17, The State reports.

The first games for high school football teams and other fall sports won’t be until after Sept. 1, but some could be as late as Oct. 2. It’s still not clear how the team schedules will be set for the fall.

The sports plan assumes high schools are in session for either in-person or virtual classes this fall, The State reports.

Sen. Graham: Undermining Fauci isn’t productive

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham called Dr. Anthony Fauci “one of the smartest people I know,” and said efforts by the Trump administration to discredit him are not productive, The State reported.

“[Fauci has] been around a long time. He’s one of the smartest people I know. Has he been right all the time? No,” the South Carolina Republican said. “We don’t have a Dr. Fauci problem. We need to be focusing on doing things that get us to where we need to go. I have all the respect in the world for Dr. Fauci. I think any effort to undermine him is not going to be productive quite frankly.”

Graham spoke to reporters Tuesday at the S.C. Hospital Association office, following a meeting with hospital administrators.

According to reports, White House officials have been attempting to discredit Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, who has expressed concerns over reopening and the country’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

Hurricane evacuation plans change for virus

If a strong hurricane takes aim at the Myrtle Beach area during the pandemic, some people who need emergency shelter will be bused out of the area.

Emergency management officials are worried about people crowding in shelters and spreading the coronavirus during a hurricane, The Sun News reports.

“Let’s use these shelters as a true last resort,” Horry County’s Randy Webster said Tuesday. “If there’s a place that you can go, that’s the recommended process now.”

Columbia police officer dies from coronavirus

An officer with the Columbia Police Department has died due to COVID-19, chief Skip Holbrook announced Tuesday, The State reported.

Master Police Officer Robert J. “Bob” Hall, 57, had been with the department 35 years, and is survived by his wife, two children and grandchildren.

Hall is the only known CPD officer to have died as a result of the virus.

“Officer Robert ‘Bob’ Hall exemplified everything that is expected out of a 21st Century police officer – service before self, professionalism, integrity, and compassion,” Holbrook said.

“MPO Hall served with distinction and honor for more than three decades and has left a lasting legacy at the Columbia Police Department. He will be greatly missed. I ask for everyone’s continued prayers for Bob’s family and the CPD family.”

Could Myrtle Beach area hit 1,000 cases a day?

A new study shows Horry County could see 1,000 new coronavirus cases a day by July 30 if current guidelines on social distancing continue, The Sun News reports.

The projected numbers for the Myrtle Beach area are the highest in the state. Horry County has seen several days in recent weeks with more than 200 confirmed cases. Charleston and Greenville counties have regularly had higher daily case counts.

Teachers say more support needed for reopening

To successfully reopen schools and begin in-person learning this fall, more funding and more uniform standards regarding things like protective equipment and classroom cleaning is needed, The Palmetto State Teachers Association said in a letter to top state government and education officials, The State reported.

“Without fully funded and clear standards, the re-opening of schools will only reinforce the inequities present in South Carolina’s schools,” the letter said.

Some school districts have proposed plans that go against recommendations made by the state Department of Education’s AcceleratEd task force, recommendations intended to keep students and teachers safe as they resume classroom teaching, according to the letter.

State park visitors required to wear masks

South Carolina state park officials announced that “effective immediately,” all visitors older than 2 must wear masks while in indoor areas, or spots “staffed by employees or where the general public may congregate,” The State reported.

Those areas include “park offices, visitor centers, stores, nature centers, restrooms or while touring any indoor facility being considered for rent,” according to park officials.

People who don’t bring a mask will be asked to wait outside the park, where employees will assist them “if possible.”

“We thank you for your cooperation and understanding as we work to stop the spread and protect our visitors and employees,” park officials said in a statement.

This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 7:42 AM.