Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 2
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 118,000
At least 118,699 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,652 have died, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 601 new cases of the virus, down from 761 the day before.
Although new case counts have been declining, DHEC says the virus is still spreading throughout the state, based on the percentage of positive tests. About 19.6% of tests reported Wednesday were positive, down from 22.4% Tuesday. The World Health Organization and state health officials recommend 5% or lower.
Officials on Wednesday also reported 26 additional coronavirus-related deaths.
USC quarantines another Greek house
A 10th house at the University of South Carolina’s Greek Village has been quarantined due to coronavirus cases.
Half of the Greek Village’s facilities, and more than a fifth of the university’s 48 sororities and fraternities are under quarantine as of Wednesday.
To avoid large gatherings, fraternity rush events are going to be held virtually, USC told The State.
“This was not an easy decision to make,” Interfraternity Council president Brice Talley and recruitment chair Brendon Flannery wrote in a letter to fraternities. “But the health and safety of our members is the main priority and we believe this is a necessary step to ensure we limit exposure of the coronavirus throughout campus and the Columbia community.”
11 businesses cited by SLED for coronavirus violations
Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic, 11 businesses have been cited by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division for violating statewide rules put in place to slow the virus’ spread.
One of them, Absolem Hookah Lounge in Florence County, was issued a criminal citation in late August.
The other 10 businesses were issued administrative citations for disregarding Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order, which placed restrictions on the number of people allowed to gather in an area, placement of restaurant seating, and what kinds of businesses can be open.
They are as follows:
- LA Sports - Anderson County on March 23
- Uncle Tito’s - Georgetown County on April 17
Nathan’s Sky Bar - Horry County on July 6
- Lavish Lounge - Greenville County on July 10
- Suck, Bang, Blow - Georgetown County on July 23
Bucks Racks and Ribs - Horry County on July 29
Kathy’s Bar and Grill - Lexington County on Aug. 15
Gibson’s Bar - Colleton County on Aug. 22
Ike’s Korner - Spartanburg County on Aug. 28
New Jack City - Dorchester County on Aug. 29
Elementary school closes for COVID-19
Chapin Elementary School in the Midlands has closed for cleaning just days before the start of the fall semester, after learning a university intern tested positive for COVID-19.
Chapin was informed of the diagnosis Tuesday, Lexington-Richland school district 5 said in a statement.
Areas of the school that the intern used are being closed off, cleaned and disinfected, per the district’s “established protocols.”
Prisma Health warns of Labor Day COVID-19 spike
Prisma Health is seeing a decreasing number of coronavirus patients, but officials with the health system worry Labor Day may cause a surge in infections.
“There are plenty of folks who may go to large gatherings, parades, picnics,” putting themselves at risk of catching the virus, or giving it to others if they already have it, Prisma’s Dr. Steve Shelton said Wednesday.
Recent history shows it could happen. Memorial Day and the Fourth of July holidays both fueled large COVID-19 spikes.
SC approved for $300 extra weekly unemployment
FEMA has approved South Carolina’s request for additional unemployment funding, allowing the state to tack on an extra $300 to weekly unemployment checks, the Department of Employment and Workforce announced.
The additional money will be provided to all who apply and are eligible. Anyone already earning at least $100 of unemployment benefits per week is eligible.
It is unclear when the payments will begin, but it could be two to three weeks or more, The State reported.
Payments are scheduled to stop on Dec. 26, if the FEMA funds aren’t already used up.
Columbia asked student apartments to close pools
As classes started at the University of South Carolina last month, the city of Columbia sent a letter to a dozen student housing complexes requesting that they close their pools to prevent spreading the coronavirus, The State reported.
“As students return to our community to continue their education, we must all remain vigilant,” read the letter, dated Aug. 20. “Mayor (Steve) Benjamin and Columbia City Council respectfully request that you join us in our efforts to help prevent high risk situations before they happen.”
It’s not clear how many of the 12 complexes heeded the letter.
Palmetto Compress, where the Columbia Fire Department pulled the plug on a 300-person pool party over the weekend, was one of the complexes that was sent a letter.
School COVID-19 info will soon be available online
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control will start collecting coronavirus data from schools and sharing it with the public.
DHEC plans to publish a report online twice a week tracking which schools have students and staff who have tested positive for coronavirus. The information will be available at scdhec.gov/COVID19schools starting Friday.
New reports will be posted in the afternoon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
USC coronavirus cases double
There are 1,026 active reported cases of coronavirus at the University of South Carolina, according to the latest figures shared Tuesday. That’s nearly double the number of known cases reported last week.
The percentage of positive tests is increasing as well. Between Friday and Monday, 26% of 2,318 people tested were positive for the virus. The average rate positive since Aug. 1 has been 10%.
USC President Robert Caslen praised “the large number of tests” being done at the school. He said the university is using wastewater surveillance to identify potential coronavirus cases, “informing us and enabling us to specifically act in places that require intervention.”
Despite the surge in cases, school officials expressed confidence that they can control the coronavirus spread on campus, thanks in large part to saliva testing.
Much faster and easier than traditional nasal swab testing, officials said saliva testing will allow officials to move more quickly, quarantining those who test positive and tracking down others they may have come into contact with.
Nursing home visits allowed soon
Gov. Henry McMaster announced visits to nursing homes will soon be allowed again, but there are some guidelines.
All visits will be held outdoors. Guidelines also include ensuring facilities have adequate personal protective equipment and that they implement testing and screening protocols for staff and residents.
Also, no one can test positive for coronavirus for two weeks. If someone does test positive, visitation will be suspended and more testing will be done. Three positive cases mean the facility must stop all visits for at least two weeks.
Facing eviction? There’s free help available
The South Carolina Bar Association and South Carolina Legal Services are encouraging those who are facing eviction to call their hotline for free help.
“Many evictions — and the effects they have on our society — can be avoided simply by having an attorney advocate for a tenant in the eviction process,” said Betsy Goodale, director of the South Carolina Bar Pro Bono Program, The State reported. “A majority of tenants who are represented by counsel in eviction matters have a successful outcome compared to very few when unrepresented.”
The hotline number is 1-833-958-2266.
To be eligible for the free assistance, callers must have a household income 200% below the federal poverty level. People who don’t meet that threshold can still be referred to a lawyer who can do a consultation for under $50.
This story was originally published September 2, 2020 at 7:22 AM.