Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 1

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

DHEC reports second day delay

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 Thursday reported 229 new cases of the virus, up from 197 the day before. DHEC said the low case count is the result of a “temporary reporting delay” as the agency upgrades its internal database — which was also an issue Wednesday. The totals on both Wednesday and Thursday only accounted for test results submitted by email or fax, while electronic lab reports were not included.

Twenty deaths were reported Thursday.

On Thursday, DHEC reported a positive test rate of 13.5%, down from 15.7% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower to slow the spread of the virus.

McMaster to lift restaurant capacity rule ‘soon’

Following a Thursday press conference, Gov. Henry McMaster said he plans to lift restaurant capacity restrictions “soon.”

Under the order, put in place to reduce coronavirus spread, restaurants can only allow enough customers to fill 50% of their facility’s total capacity. Other rules require tables to be eight feet apart, and no more than eight customers seated per table, unless the entire party is family.

Despite promising to do away with those restrictions, McMaster said he encourages “everyone to stay outside as much as they can.”

Police broke up 300-person USC football watch party

Columbia police say they had to break up several parties last weekend that were in violation of COVID-19 rules. The parties were during and after the University of South Carolina’s first football game of the season.

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

Another party of about 100 people 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, The State reported.

This week, USC reported the lowest number of coronavirus cases since the fall semester began, as fewer people on campus are getting tested.

The school reported 33 active coronavirus cases as of Tuesday, a big drop from a high of 1,461 reported Sept. 3.

About 850 people were tested between Friday and Monday, compared to roughly 1,600 the previous three days, according to the school.

This story was originally published October 1, 2020 at 6:51 AM.