Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 4
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases surpass 171,000
At least 171,642 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,728 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 647 new COVID-19 cases, down from 741 the day before.
Sixteen coronavirus-related deaths were reported Wednesday.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was 14.5% as of Wednesday. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower. DHEC said 4,459 individual tests had been performed, the lowest number of tests seen in a day since Oct. 2.
As of Wednesday, 783 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms.
Jasper County charter school going back to all virtual classes
Citing high levels of COVID-19 activity in Jasper County, Ridgeland’s Polaris Tech Charter School said Wednesday it will be returning to virtual only education starting Thursday, a month after it began offering hybrid classes.
The charter is not a part of Jasper County School District, which has not announced any plans to alter its reopening strategy.
“We monitor the DHEC numbers for COVID every day, and when Jasper County’s case numbers started climbing again, we knew our school family needed to stay flexible,” said Melissa Crosby, the school’s executive director, in the announcement.
“Fortunately, all of our students are familiar with online learning and our staff has done an amazing job of staying connected to the learners and their families.”
Lexington lets mask order expire
Masks are no longer required in the town of Lexington, after the town council allowed the ordinance to expire.
The council passed a mask order July 2 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed it for 61 days at the end of August. But the governing board didn’t discuss the issue at its most recent meeting, The State reported.
Lexington businesses still have the right to require customers and employees to wear face coverings.
West Columbia extends mask rule through 2020
The West Columbia City Council voted to extend its mask mandate for 61 days, setting it to expire Jan. 2, at which time it can be renewed again.
Under the mandate, masks must be worn in virtually all retail businesses open to the public, as well as doctor’s offices, government buildings, and other places.
A $25 fine can be issued for violating the ordinance.
This story was originally published November 4, 2020 at 7:28 AM.