Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 15

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

Cases near 131,000

At least 130,917 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 2,943 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 701 new cases of the virus, up from 525 the day before.

Twenty-two deaths were reported Monday.

The DHEC on Tuesday reported a positive test rate of 15.7%, up from 9.8% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.

USC reports nearly 200 active cases

Coronavirus case counts are falling at the University of South Carolina, which reported 196 active cases on campus Tuesday, though the school isn’t performing as many tests as it was at the beginning of the semester.

There were 1,461 active cases at the university’s highest point.

The percentage of positive tests from the latest testing period was 7.4%, compared to the average of 11.5% between Aug. 1 to Sept. 14.

Over 400 cases among K-12 students, staff

There are 414 confirmed cases of coronavirus among teachers and students in South Carolina K-12 schools, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Tuesday.

Students account for 275 of those cases, while employees make up 139.

Most schools have reported no or just a few cases. Still, two Richland 2 teachers have died this school year after testing positive for COVID-19.

Anti-mask protesters rally at capitol

A group of 50 protesters gathered at the state house Tuesday to speak out against orders put in place by Gov. Henry McMaster during the pandemic, which were intended to slow the spread of coronavirus.

Organized by the United Patriots Alliance, a group opposing mask mandates and COVID-19 closures, protesters demanded legislators “grow a spine” and push back against McMaster and his orders.

State Reps. Bobby Cox, Josiah Magnuson, and Stewart Jones joined with the protesters.

“I want to stay with the citizens who are rallying here to end the state of emergency,” Magnuson said. South Carolina has been under a state of emergency since mid-March. “I think the legislature needs to have stood up and ended it.”

Lieutenant governor tests positive for COVID-19

Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette is in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus, The State reported Monday.

Evette, 53, first began feeling symptoms last Thursday and received test results over the weekend confirming she is infected. Evette began quarantining at home when her symptoms, a headache and sore throat, first started.

Gov. Henry McMaster and his wife, Peggy, have since been tested as well, both testing negative.

“I’m fortunate to have had only mild symptoms and I’m already feeling much better,” Evette said in a statement. “As careful as I’ve been, this really does show how easily the virus is spread. Please continue to be diligent in keeping yourselves and your loved ones safe. If you’re showing any symptoms at all, the best thing to do is to get tested right away!”

This story was originally published September 15, 2020 at 6:57 AM.