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

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

Cases pass 167,000

At least 167,057 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,653 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 680 new COVID-19 cases, down from 918 the day before.

Richland County had the most newly reported cases Friday, with 106. Greenville County followed with 95 new cases.

Seven coronavirus-related deaths were reported Friday.

The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was 14.3% as of Friday, marking nearly two consecutive weeks of rates higher than 10%. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.

On Friday, 777 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms, down from 800 the day before.

School report cards different this year due to COVID-19

School report cards for 2020 are out, but they have a lot less data to share than in years past.

COVID-19 has thrown education off kilter, and put a hold on standardized testing and school surveys. As such, many of the usual metrics the state uses to gauge school success can’t be applied.

For example, schools won’t be deemed “excellent,” “average,” or “unsatisfactory,” the state Department of Education said, but areas such as per-student spending, teacher pay, graduation rates and others will still be covered.

“The 2019-2020 school year was unlike any other that our state and nation has faced,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said. “With facilities closed due to the novel coronavirus in March our schools were unable to administer many of the accountability measures that are used for the basis of our annual report cards. Instead, these report cards highlight those aspects of our education system such as safety, finance, and classroom environment that are equally important.”

SC schools surpass 2,000 cases

There have been 186 new COVID-19 cases in South Carolina K-12 schools since Tuesday, when the state Department of Health and Environmental Control last reported school coronavirus data.

That brings the total case count to 2,142 since the school year began, including 1,496 student infections and 646 employee cases.

Coronavirus surges Upstate

COVID-19 cases are suddenly spiking in Greenville County, with 10% of the county’s total cases having occurred in just the last two weeks.

“It is critical that we act now,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, the state’s interim public health director, said at a news conference where health officials urged members of the public to wear masks, social distance, and continue to take the virus seriously despite growing pandemic fatigue.

Bon Secours St. Francis Health System has seen a 75% increase in hospitalizations in the last two weeks, according to chief clinical officer Marcus Blackstone.

“We’re headed absolutely in the wrong direction,” he said.

102-year-old casts ballot, goes viral

A 102-year-old South Carolina woman suddenly found herself in the spotlight for performing her civic duty.

The coronavirus pandemic didn’t stop Ora Smith of Hampton from voting in this election. Family shared photos on social media of her casting her ballot, and they quickly garnered attention.

“If she can do it, you can too!” her great nephew, Quentin Youmans, tweeted last week.

Former president Barack Obama retweeted Youmans’ post, commenting “102 never looked better! Grateful for all the folks like your great aunt who continue to show up and vote in this important election.”

Smith voted for the first time when she was 47, when the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed, The Island Packet reported.

This story was originally published October 30, 2020 at 6:46 AM.