Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 21
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases pass 159,000
At least 159,433 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,487 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 686 new COVID-19 cases, up from 666 the day before.
Eleven coronavirus-related deaths were reported Wednesday.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was 11.9% as of Wednesday. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.
On Wednesday, 743 patients in South Carolina hospitals had COVID-19, including 197 in intensive care and 98 on ventilators.
USC to share ‘game changer’ COVID-19 testing
The University of South Carolina plans to export its “game changer” rapid saliva testing for COVID-19, which is touted for returning fast results, to other universities across the state.
The testing expansion is being made possible through $16.7 million in aid and grants, and at this stage it’s not clear how many colleges will take advantage of USC’s offer, how many tests will be distributed, or when testing will start at each school.
Still, university officials said Clemson University is interested, as are several Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Thousands turn out for COVID-style state fair
Despite the unusual drive-thru format for the South Carolina state fair this year, over 10,000 people showed up to enjoy the food and activities associated with the 151-year-old tradition.
The state fair has been completely overhauled this year due to the pandemic, but 2,102 cars drove by the redesigned exhibits and 4,171 went in line for food, for an estimated total of more than 10,000 visitors, fair officials said.
“One man got here at 4:30 a.m. because he said he wanted to be the first person in line, and he rode through three times,” State Fair General Manager Nancy Smith said in a news release. “We are so grateful for this type of outpouring of guests, but this is just more evidence that this is the people’s fair. This has been a difficult year for everyone, but we wanted to give something back.”
Student cases in K-12 schools surpass 1,000
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases among South Carolina students since the school year began now exceeds 1,000.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control said Tuesday there have been 148 new cases since Friday, bringing the total number of cases to 1,631 this school year. Students make up 1,143 of those, and employees account for 488.
North Myrtle Beach extends mask mandate amid surge in cases
With coronavirus cases on the rise in Horry County, the North Myrtle Beach City Council voted unanimously to extend an ordinance requiring residents and visitors to wear masks in public spaces.
The mask rule was put in place June 30 and was set to expire on Oct. 30 before the council renewed it.
The council’s decision comes after at least 14 coronavirus cases were linked to a shag dancing event at a North Myrtle Beach venue in late September.
A ZIP code that encompasses North Myrtle Beach has reported 804 cases since the start of the pandemic, including 210 cases in the last two weeks, according to The Sun News.
“We have people who have died this week from COVID-19,” Mayor Marilyn Hatley said, The Sun News reported. “Our numbers increased over 200 in 12 days. We have COVID-19 here in our community at this time, and we need to do everything that we possibly can.”
DHEC officials said there’s no way to know for sure if the shag event is responsible for an outbreak. Community transmission makes it difficult to “determine definitively the specific location where the infection happens,” officials said.
This story was originally published October 21, 2020 at 6:57 AM.