Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 3
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 92,000
At least 92,404 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 1,721 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday reported an additional 1,105 cases of the virus. Eleven deaths were also reported Monday, down from 27 reported the day before.
The number of COVID-19 patients in South Carolina hospitals remains high, at 1,437, state data show. That includes 366 people in intensive care, 224 of whom are on ventilators.
As of Monday, 15.2% of coronavirus tests were positive. That percentage has hovered around 20% the last 14 days, reaching a high of 22.6% on July 22. Nationally, about 8.7% of tests come back positive.
W.Va. governor blames Myrtle Beach for COVID-19 spread
West Virginia governor Jim Justice warned residents against visiting the South, and Myrtle Beach in particular, during a Monday press conference.
Justice, a Republican, has spoken out about Myrtle Beach before. But in light of new outbreaks in his state’s southern counties, he renewed calls to avoid South Carolina’s famous coastline.
“If you’ve listened to our health experts, a significant, if not the majority of this, is driven by Myrtle Beach,” he said.
He said the state is seriously considering mandatory quarantine orders for residents returning from trips to the South.
Tropical Storm Isaias and COVID-19
Tropical Storm Isaias is headed toward South Carolina, with heavy winds and rain expected Monday and Tuesday.
Parts of the state are under a hurricane watch Monday, with additional warnings for storm surge and flooding.
South Carolina has not issued any mandatory evacuation orders ahead of the storm, but officials say they are making plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19 if that changes.
Officials would hope to make sure everyone has personal protective equipment, and anyone with COVID-19 symptoms would be isolated in an evacuation shelter and then moved to a non-congregate shelter, The State reported last week.
Mask rules take effect Monday
All remaining businesses that were closed in South Carolina due to the COVID-19 pandemic can reopen Monday.
Those businesses include movie theaters, concert venues and spectator sports facilities.
But with the reopening, Gov. Henry McMaster has ordered that face masks be worn inside those businesses. Masks will also be required inside state government buildings, at restaurants and other businesses that hold events or where crowds of people gather.
The order also limits the capacity in businesses allowed to reopen Monday to 250 people or 50%, whichever is less. Guidelines that were previously suggested for restaurants — the use of face masks, limiting tables to eight people and operating at 50% capacity — are now mandatory.
The governor emphasized last week that he will not be closing any businesses already allowed to reopen.
This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 6:58 AM.
