Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 21
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Under 400 new cases reported
At least 134,884 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,040 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday reported 393 new cases of the virus, down from 420 the day before. This marks the 14th day in a row of fewer than 1,000 new cases.
Thirteen deaths were reported Monday.
The DHEC on Monday reported a positive test rate of 9.5%, continuing a downward trend. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.
SC to roll out federal unemployment aid Tuesday
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is implementing a federally funded unemployment assistance program Tuesday that will put an extra $300 a week into the hands of out-of-work residents who are eligible.
Though the necessary funding has already been available, the state explained that it doesn’t want to rush payments until “fraud security measures” are put in place, including I.D. verification questions and more.
“We want to be very clear; there are individuals and groups who are intentionally seeking an illegal opportunity to profit from these LWA funds, directly stealing money from deserving, unemployed South Carolinians in need,” DEW executive director Dan Ellzey said in a release. “Some states who have already implemented LWA programs are experiencing this type of fraud, on significant levels in some cases.”
South Carolina has been approved for three weeks of additional unemployment funding, coming out to $900 total for each recipient. It has applied for three weeks more, and is awaiting approval.
Some ignore 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 during pandemic
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. She described the pandemic as “the worst ... this state, country and planet has seen in over a century.”
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 21, 2020 at 7:49 AM.
