Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 21

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

Nearly 1,000 new cases reported

At least 109,135 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,339 have died, according to state officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 967 new cases — the sixth day in a row new cases have been below 1,000. DHEC cautions that the percentage of positive tests remains high, and above the level necessary to control the virus’ spread.

Officials on Friday reported 52 additional coronavirus-related deaths, compared to 42 the day before.

DHEC reported Friday that 13% of tests were positive. In July, the state’s positive test rate hovered around 20%. About 8.7% of tests come back positive nationally.

DHEC: Labor Day could cause COVID-19 surge

Memorial Day and the Fourth of July were behind two of the biggest coronavirus surges in South Carolina, and that has health officials worried history may repeat itself with Labor Day.

“Public health officials, including myself, continue to have those concerns, because people go out and celebrate,” and don’t socially distance or wear masks, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said Friday during a call with reporters.

“When we see these gatherings, and the majority of people are not wearing masks and they are not physically distancing, it’s those previous experiences that cause me concern with the upcoming holiday,” Bell said.

McMaster asks for nursing home visitation rules

Nursing home visits haven’t been allowed during the pandemic except in special cases, but Gov. Henry McMaster is asking the state Department of Health and Environmental Control to release new visitation rules that would allow immediate family to visit their relatives.

“Restricting visitation to our state’s nursing homes and assisted living facilities in March was a heartbreaking necessity,” McMaster wrote to DHEC chairman Mark Elam. “It was the most effective way to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to save the lives of our state’s elderly and at-risk residents.”

McMaster made a similar request of DHEC in June, but plans were put on hold as coronavirus activity surged.

In the letter, the governor also says consistent testing, monitoring, scheduling and communication policies must be implemented, and that all facilities must comply with DHEC’s guidelines.

Organizations voice support for state epidemiologist

A dozen South Carolina organizations issued an open letter expressing support for state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell, saying her warnings about COVID-19 aren’t given enough attention.

Medical organizations, academic societies and a church signed the letter praising Bell, a top official with the Department of Health and Environmental Control. She has also become a staple of Gov. Henry McMaster’s coronavirus briefings, though she has split from the governor on some issues.

Bell has consistently advocated for a statewide mask mandate, while McMaster has repeatedly refused. And in emails uncovered by The State, Bell said the governor’s staff was “somewhat manipulative,” using her presence at press conferences to imply she was in agreement with policy decisions she did not in reality support.

“Dr. Bell’s advocacy for prevention measures that will save lives has been consistent since the announcement of the outbreak and her advice has echoed that of the established national and international experts,” the letter of support read. “However, her advisements have apparently been met with resistance. As a result, we are seeing a rise in positive cases, more deaths and an increasing impact on our healthcare system and our citizens.”

Most of the groups behind the letter are focused on issues impacting the Black community.

“I want to let it be known that a large part of the community, not just the Black community, but also the white community, support her, and we’d like to see her recommendations be heeded and we’d like to see her play a more prominent part in this whole thing that’s going on,” Dr. Burnett Gallman, a Columbia-area physician, told The State.

McMaster halts budget requests

As state governments face budget shortfalls as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has halted funding requests.

The governor told his cabinet members on Thursday to not make additional requests in the state budget, The State newspaper reported. He advised them to start planning for the possibility of a cut between 1% and 3% for the 2021-22 fiscal year.

South Carolina will likely lose at least $1.2 billion in new money because of the pandemic, economists project.

This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 6:53 AM.