Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 8
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 123,000
At least 123,801 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 2,772 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 339 new cases of the virus, the fewest cases reported in one day in over three months. The total number of tests performed on Labor Day, 2,993, was also the second lowest DHEC has seen in three months.
An additional five coronavirus-related deaths were also reported Tuesday.
The DHEC on Tuesday reported a positive test rate of 11.3%, which is the fourth day in a row the positivity rate has fallen below 13%. The World Health Organization and state health officials recommend 5% or lower to bring the transmission of COVID-19 under control.
USC cases drop, but so has testing
University of South Carolina reported 654 active coronavirus cases on campus as of Tuesday, a significant decrease from last Friday, when the university had a total of 1,443 cases.
While this may seem like an improvement, USC conducted far fewer tests prior to the latest report. Leading up to last Friday, the university conducted 1,916 tests, compared to 504 between Friday and Tuesday.
The positivity rate was also higher this time around, at 19.1%. Previously, the percentage of positive tests was 17.4%.
COVID-19 in SC schools
There are 233 confirmed cases of coronavirus in South Carolina’s K-12 schools as of Tuesday, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reports.
Of those, 138 are students and 95 are teachers. The total is up from 158 Friday, when 89 students and 69 school employees were infected with the virus.
In addition to public schools, the figures include private and charter schools as well.
USC saliva testing to resume at limited capacity
The University of South Carolina’s saliva coronavirus testing program resumes Tuesday, after it was temporarily halted last week when a “key lab staffer” fell ill.
Full testing capacity likely won’t resume. As of Tuesday, the university will be able to test about 200 students per day and get results back withing 24 hours. Previously, USC was able to perform 1,200 tests per day.
Spike in cases expected after Labor Day
Health officials predict South Carolina will see a spike in COVID-19 cases following Labor Day weekend.
The surge could resemble what happened in the state after Memorial Day, when South Carolina went from reporting between 100 and 300 new cases each day to more than 1,000, The State reports. Students returning to school could also play a role.
Daily cases have been declining in South Carolina since early August, but health officials attribute that in part to fewer people being tested for the virus.
Officials predict 5,765 new COVID-19 cases will be reported in the state in the coming week. But it can take up to two weeks for symptoms to appear after contracting the virus.
Food pantries try to keep up with demand
Food pantries across the Lowcountry are concerned about keeping up with demand during the coronavirus pandemic and amid shortages, fewer donations and other difficulties, The Island Packet reported.
Nationwide, many are experiencing food insecurity and hunger as the pandemic continues to strain resources. The COVID Impact Survey estimates a lack of regular access to food doubled overall and tripled among households with children in April compared to March.
In South Carolina, one in eight people struggle with hunger during normal times, according to Feeding America.
A food rescue group in Hilton Head says demand is up 30% and that it has to overcome meat shortages and a lack of volunteers to distribute supplies to 55 nonprofits each week. A food pantry and soup kitchen in Bluffton says it’s supplying meals for 200 people per week while struggling to meet needs.
Constance Martin-Witter, executive director of Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen, told The Island Packet the nonprofit has received grants but has had trouble buying items in bulk due to shortages.
“We’re still alive and well,” Martin-Witter said. “We’re not going to give in.”
This story was originally published September 8, 2020 at 6:40 AM.
