Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 30

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

DHEC reports low cases due to reporting issue

At least 143,623 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,186 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 197 new cases of the virus, down from 527 the day before. Wednesday’s low case count is the result of a reporting error DHEC says, a “temporary reporting delay” as the agency upgrades its internal database. The total only accounted for test results submitted by email or fax, while electronic lab reports were not included.

Twenty-one deaths were reported Wednesday.

On Wednesday, DHEC reported a positive test rate of 15.7%, up from 13.2% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.

Cops broke up 300-person USC football watch party

Hundreds gathered to party during and after the University of South Carolina’s first football game of the season last weekend, and Columbia police say they had to break up several for COVID-19 violations.

Police responded to the largest at Reign Living at The Stadium apartment complex, where roughly 300 people had gathered. Police issued a citation to the complex.

Another party of about 100 was held at a home near Five Points, and a citation was issued.

Police gave warnings to at least five other smaller parties around Columbia.

USC reports record-low case count as fewer people get tested

There were 33 active coronavirus cases at the University of South Carolina as of Tuesday, the lowest number of reported cases since the fall semester began, according to the school.

Coronavirus case counts have been declining consistently in recent weeks, falling from a high of 1,461 reported Sept. 3.

The drop in reported cases comes as fewer people on campus have been getting tested for COVID-19. About 850 people were tested between Friday and Monday, compared to roughly 1,600 the previous three days.

More cases reported at K-12 schools

An additional 97 coronavirus cases have been reported in South Carolina’s K-12 schools since Friday, according to DHEC.

There have been 821 confirmed cases in S.C. schools since the start of the semester, with students accounting for 570 and employees 251.

HBCUs contend with COVID-19, social unrest

Leadership at South Carolina’s historically Black colleges and universities say it has been difficult dealing with COVID-19 and nationwide social unrest all at once, especially since the community they serve is disproportionately impacted by both issues.

Black people are more likely to die from COVID-19 and account for 35% of the state’s corona virus fatalities despite making up only 27% of the population, The State reported. At the same time, the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black Americans in encounters with police have taken an emotional toll.

“Under normal circumstances, we would have called assemblies … we would have talked through it, walked through it, unpacked it and helped our kids really sort through their feelings and advocate in an effective way,” said Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Benedict College in Columbia.

“My inability to get my arms around them during the crisis drove me nuts. It was really difficult.”

This story was originally published September 30, 2020 at 7:12 AM.