Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 16

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

Cases pass 131,000

At least 131,428 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 2,968 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 489 new cases of the virus, down from 701 the day before.

Twenty-eight deaths were reported Wednesday.

The DHEC on Wednesday reported a positive test rate of 13.5%, down from 15.7% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.

Top ed official wants in-person classes to resume for K-5

Molly Spearman, state superintendent of education, is recommending that in-person classes resume for students “who need it the most.”

In a letter sent to superintendents across the state, Spearman said face-to-face learning is essential for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as non-native English speakers, students with disabilities, students experiencing homelessness or in foster care, those with limited internet access, or students who are academically delayed.

“While many students and their families have chosen virtual options and are able to successfully navigate this new instructional environment, others are struggling and desperately need a return to face to face learning as quickly as possible,” Spearman wrote.

The groups mentioned are more dependent on programs or services schools provide, and more in need of face-to-face teaching to succeed academically, the letter said.

Feds to carry out 14-day testing campaign in Columbia

Federal officials aim to bolster coronavirus testing capacity in the Columbia area with a two-week COVID-19 testing campaign.

Starting on Saturday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will open up two testing sites:one at the University of South Carolina baseball stadium, and the other at Martin Luther King Park in Five Points, USC President Robert Caslen announced during a Wednesday town hall.

Federal workers will be able to test up to 5,000 people daily, but Caslen said they’re expecting to conduct closer to 1,500 per day.

Caslen added USC is expanding its coronavirus saliva testing program from 400 tests a day to 800 by the end of the week.

“We want to make sure every student is tested before they go home for Thanksgiving break,” Caslen said.

Absentee voting allowed for all in SC

All registered South Carolina voters can cast an absentee ballot in the November presidential election, thanks to a COVID-19 absentee expansion bill signed into law Wednesday.

It’s a “common sense” measure on the part of legislators, Gov. Henry McMaster said.

“We know more about the virus and what to do than we did before,” McMaster said. “But we still had to take some measures to see to it that we have a safe election.”

USC reports nearly 200 active cases

Coronavirus case counts are falling at the University of South Carolina as the school performs fewer tests.

USC reported 196 active cases on campus Tuesday, down from a high of 1,461.

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, The State reported.

Over 400 cases among K-12 students, staff

There are 414 confirmed cases of coronavirus among teachers and students in South Carolina’s public 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.

Two Richland 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.

Republican state Reps. Bobby Cox, Josiah Magnuson and Stewart Jones joined with the protesters, The State reported.

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

Mask mandate extended in Horry County

The Horry County Council voted Tuesday after an “impassioned debate” to continue its face mask mandate, The Myrtle Beach Sun News reported.

Under the order, residents and visitors must wear face coverings in public places, including in stores.

The mandate, which went in place in July and applies to all unincorporated areas of Horry County, will be in effect until Oct. 30.

This story was originally published September 16, 2020 at 7:40 AM.