Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 18

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

Reported deaths pass 3,000

At least 133,310 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,010 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 766 new cases of the virus, up from 740 the day before.

Twenty-one deaths were reported Friday.

The DHEC on Friday reported a positive test rate of 12.1%, up from 11.8% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.

USC downgrades coronavirus threat level

The University of South Carolina lowered its COVID-19 rating to “new normal” on Friday, the least severe level on the university’s risk assessment scale.

The rating is based on several factors, including total cases, testing and quarantine capacity, and more.

USC is reporting 170 active cases as of Friday, 164 of which are students.

First SC cities to pass mask rules benefited most

Early adopters of mask mandates saw the biggest declines in coronavirus activity, according the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The health agency has said before South Carolina towns and cities that passed rules requiring residents to wear masks saw infection rates plummet as a result. But the timing of those mandates matter, experts say.

DHEC officials divided the cities into five groups, organized by when mask mandates were implemented.

• Week of June 23-June 29: 66.5% greater decrease
• Week of June 30-July 6: 39.2% greater decrease
• Week of July 7-July 13: 6.1% greater decrease
• Week of July 14-July 20: 3.5% greater decrease
• Week of July 21-July 27: no greater percent decrease

K-12 coronavirus cases up by 118

The total number of coronavirus cases reported in K-12 schools has grown by 118 since Tuesday, according to state Department of Health and Environmental Control data released Friday.

There have been 532 infections in districts statewide since the start of the school year, the latest figures show, compared to 414 reported earlier this week.

According to DHEC, 352 students and 180 school employees have tested positive.

SC jury trials to resume

Jury trials have been on hold for about six months in South Carolina due to the pandemic, but they will resume Monday, Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald Beatty said.

Best practices for safety laid out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be followed, a memo from Beatty read, “in a reasonably safe manner in accordance with established COVID-19 protocol.”

While courts haven’t been as active over the last six months, work never completely stopped, Beatty added.

“Since the beginning of this pandemic, Circuit Court and Family Court judges have held about 11,000 hearings via WebEx. Numerous other hearings have additionally been held in person, via Zoom, teleconference, and other platforms.”

USC men get tested far less than women

Of the students who have been tested for coronavirus at the University of South Carolina, 36% are male and 64% are female, according to the school. And that has some people concerned.

Officials see testing as one of the best tools available to control the spread of coronavirus on campus, but it won’t work well if a large portion of the student body refuses to get tested.

USC spokesman Jeff Stensland said the university isn’t sure what accounts for the disparity, The State reported.

“Perhaps it’s a misplaced sense of invincibility,” Stensland said. “All students are encouraged to take advantage of testing, and men are just as at risk to contract the virus as women are.”

This story was originally published September 18, 2020 at 6:54 AM.