Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on July 30

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

48 more deaths reported

At least 87,117 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 1,599 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported an additional 1,636 cases of the virus.

An additional 48 deaths were reported Thursday, matching the figure announced Wednesday.

Spread slows in cities with mask rules

In the absence of a statewide mandate, cities across South Carolina have adopted mask rules of their own, and data show those that have are seeing slower coronavirus spread, The State reports.

Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Spartanburg and Beaufort have seen a significant decline in COVID-19 growth, in contrast to surging virus activity prior to implementing mask requirements. An analysis of ZIP code data also found slowing growth in Columbia, Lexington, Camden, Orangeburg, Rock Hill and Sumter

Masks deserve the credit, Michael Schmidt, a professor who works at the Medical University of South Carolina’s Microbiology and Immunology Department, told The State.

“Since the governor has strongly encouraged mask wearing and the municipalities are requiring mask wearing … the trend has gone down,” Schmidt said.

Midlands jail hit by COVID-19

Nearly a fourth of the staff at Orangeburg-Calhoun Regional Detention Center, 10 out of 45, are in quarantine due to coronavirus.

Seven officers have tested positive for the virus, while three others are caring for family members who have contracted it. So far, only staff have tested positive.

McMaster tightens restaurant rules

Restaurants in South Carolina must now require face masks and limit capacity to 50%.

The measures used to be suggested guidelines, but Gov. Henry McMaster said Wednesday they are now mandatory.

McMaster also said all remaining businesses that closed during the pandemic can reopen Monday. Masks will be required inside the businesses.

“These limited restrictions are temporary, they are measured, and they are targeted towards what we know works,” McMaster said in a statement. “These measures give South Carolina the best chance to slow the spread of the virus without shutting down the state’s economy – which we cannot and will not do – as many continue to call for.”

McMaster eases restrictions on large venues

Gov. Henry McMaster is allowing movie theaters, concerts, sports stadiums and similar large venues to reopen Monday, but with new rules.

Such venues must limit attendance to 50% of total capacity, up to a maximum of 250 people, and require attendees to wear masks “as a condition of admission or participation,” The State reported.

Under special circumstances a venue can submit a request to allow more than 250 attendees. The Department of Commerce will consider the request, and the venue has to prove social distancing guidelines can still be followed even with the increased attendance.

Events and venues affected by McMaster’s order include “festivals, parades, concerts, theaters, stadiums, arenas, coliseums, auditoriums, grandstands, amphitheaters, gymnasiums, concert halls, dance halls, performing arts centers, parks, racetracks, or similarly operated entities.”

SC lawmakers call current testing inadequate

Some state lawmakers want to raise the bar for coronavirus testing in South Carolina and pressed health officials Wednesday to set and meet loftier goals.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control’s current goal is to test 2.8% of the population per month, up from its previous target of 2%, but not far enough to satisfy some legislators.

“Two percent is not sufficient,” S.C. Sen. Tom Davis, a Beaufort County Republican, said during a meeting of the Senate’s COVID-19 testing and tracking subcommittee. “If that benchmark isn’t sufficient, you haven’t served the public good.”

Interim DHEC Director Marshall Taylor said South Carolina is facing many of the same barriers as other states, citing short-staffing and a lack of lab infrastructure.

“If we were fifth in the nation in tracing and testing and we were doing great, then I wouldn’t be saying this,” S.C. Sen. Vincent Sheheen, a Kershaw County Democrat, said. “I don’t want to hear that, ‘Every other state and us are facing these challenges so we’re not going to be able to do what we’re going to do.’”

Changes to SC state fair

The South Carolina state fair has been changed to a two-day, drive-thru event to prevent the spread of COVID-19, organizers announced Wednesday.

“In the midst of the worst global crisis of our lifetime, we wanted to give the community something positive to look forward to,” S.C. State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in a news release. “Our team is proud to offer a free event where families and friends can experience the joy of the State Fair in a safe and fun environment.”

Guests will be permitted to view exhibits in agriculture, history, arts and culture from their car, The State reported.

There will be no amusement park rides, but visitors will be able to drive their vehicles through the fairgrounds to buy food. The fair is scheduled to take place Oct. 20 and 21.

This story was originally published July 30, 2020 at 7:33 AM.