Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 20
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Death toll tops 3,000
At least 134,494 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,028 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Sunday reported 420 new cases of the virus, down from 706 the day before.
Thirteen deaths were reported Sunday.
The DHEC on Sunday reported a positive test rate of 9.2%, continuing a downward trend. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.
Some find way around mask requirement at Capitol
Everyone who enters a South Carolina government building is required to wear a face mask, but many lawmakers and members of the public ignored that rule in the capitol last week, The State reported Sunday.
On Tuesday, dozens of protesters gathered, many of them not wearing masks, in the State House lobby to protest the state’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Additionally, a handful of lawmakers walked around their chambers without masks on.
Security wasn’t able to take any action. Protesters told security they couldn’t wear masks for health reasons, meaning they are exempt from Gov. Henry McMaster’s executive order.
“It’s a public building, and we’re not going to kick people out and we should not kick people out. That would be equally wrong,” House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, a Richland County Democrat, told The State. “What I would ask is that if people want to show up, be considerate and wear a mask now. It’s not political. It’s just polite. That applies to members as well.”
But some lawmakers are concerned about the lack of enforcement.
“I am deeply concerned about it,” said state Sen. Mia McLeod, also a Richland County Democrat, who has sickle cell anemia and returned to the State House for the first time this month. “It’s just like with anything else, if you don’t follow the rules, and you don’t abide by the laws, then there should be sanctions and punishments for that or you don’t get to do what you want to do. How insensitive. It’s just senseless.”
Absentee voters won’t need a witness
A federal judge ruled the S.C. Elections Commission can’t require a person voting absentee to have someone else witness their signature.
U.S. District Judge Michelle Childs said Friday that those voting absentee have a greater chance of contracting the coronavirus if they’re required to have someone witness their signature, The State reported Saturday.
The order only applies to the upcoming election.
Childs also ordered the commission to “immediately and publicly” notify voters about the change.
This story was originally published September 20, 2020 at 9:45 AM.
