Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 22

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

Over 700 new cases reported

At least 137,406 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,067 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 739 new cases of the virus, up from 393 the day before.

Thirty deaths were reported Tuesday.

The health department is adding roughly 15,000 backlogged coronavirus test results to its totals, which were reported Monday by Augusta University Healthcare in Georgia. The tests span from March to September, and about 2,000 of the tests performed came back positive.

The DHEC on Tuesday reported a positive test rate of 14.3%. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.

SC officials appeal federal absentee ballot decision

A federal judge’s decision to allow South Carolina voters to submit absentee ballots without witness signatures is being challenged by the state Election Commission and Republican officials.

It is uncertain whether the appeal could ultimately overturn U.S. Judge Michelle Childs’ ruling, but officials are encouraging voters to get a witness signature on their ballot just in case.

If Childs’ decision is eventually struck down, thousands of votes could be invalidated if they lack a witness signature.

“We know what the law is today, but that could change tomorrow ... Our advice is to go ahead and get the witness,” Election Commission spokesman Chris Whitmire said.

USC’s positive test rate drops

The University of South Carolina has 95 active coronavirus cases on campus, and a positive test rate of 3.2%, the lowest rate the school has seen since the start of the semester.

USC came close to running out of quarantine space earlier this month, but now it’s 94.3 available, according to the university’s online COVID-19 dashboard.

On Friday, USC reported 170 active cases and a 5% positivity rate.

90 more cases in K-12 schools

Coronavirus cases increased by 90 in South Carolina K-12 schools since the state Department of Health and Environmental Control last shared figures Friday.

There have been 622 cases in total — 423 student and 199 employee cases.

Most schools have reported no confirmed cases. And of those that have, most had five or fewer infections.

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 had already been available, the state explained that it didn’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.

This story was originally published September 22, 2020 at 7:18 AM.