Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 11

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

Cases surpass 178,000

At least 178,524 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,809 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 987 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,326 reported the day before.

Thirteen coronavirus-related deaths were reported Wednesday.

The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was 16.2% as of Wednesday. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.

As of Wednesday, 780 patients were hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms in South Carolina.

Parris Island recruits included in COVID-19 study

Over 1,800 Marine Corps recruits bound for the Parris Island training installation also participated in a medical study earlier this year, shedding light on COVID-19 and asymptomatic carriers, the Island Packet reported.

Research was conducted over four weeks from May through June. Recruits were asked to quarantine at home for two weeks, and then quarantined again for two weeks at The Citadel, before moving on to Parris Island.

Upon arriving at The Citadel, 0.9% of the recruits tested positive for the coronavirus. Several days later that number more than doubled to 2%, and most were asymptomatic. Only 5 recruits displayed any symptoms, and they were mild.

The study highlights the importance of testing for COVID-19, researchers said, as screening for symptoms and risk factors likely won’t catch someone who is sick and not showing symptoms.

Researchers said they hope their findings can not only help the military continue to operate safely, but that schools and universities also learn from the study and plan accordingly.

Myrtle Beach’s road to job recovery

With its economy so dependent on tourism, Horry County was hit particularly hard by the pandemic, but experts with the University of South Carolina are optimistic the community will recover — but it may take time.

“We’re very bullish on Myrtle Beach when looking at the long run,” said Joey Von Nessen, USC professor and lead researcher on the study. “After we see a vaccine developed and the pandemic is largely behind us, South Carolina and Myrtle Beach in particular offer enormous competitive advantages, ... namely beach access and low cost of living.

Horry County hit 22% unemployment in April, the study found, worse than any other county in the state.

The study makes it clear the community must diversify its economy and workforce, or it will continue to be vulnerable to disasters, be they hurricanes or pandemics, Karen Riordan, head of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce said.

SC budget down additional $50 million

The coronavirus pandemic has shrunk the state budget by an additional $50 million, state officials say, but the situation might not be as bad as it sounds.

Revenue projections are far below pre-pandemic levels, but lawmakers will have about $1.2 billion to spend when they return to work in January, The State reported.

The general fund revenue forecast is $9.45 billion for the fiscal year that starts July 1, compared to $10.25 billion projected before the pandemic.

Seventy percent of South Carolina jobs lost due to the coronavirus have been recovered, according to the state Board of Economic Advisors. But that rapid recovery is expected to slow significantly going forward, and officials say employment won’t return to pre-pandemic levels until February 2022.

Myrtle Beach will have holiday events, but with changes

The Myrtle Beach City Council granted approval to four events planned for the holiday season, including a tree lighting, a holiday market and two New Year’s Eve events — but it’s not quite business as usual.

All except the holiday market event have sought and received special permission from the state Department of Commerce to proceed, even though they anticipate crowds of more than 250 people, which isn’t generally allowed under COVID-19 restrictions.

The holiday market expects up to 1,000 attendees every Thursday and Saturday from Nov. 12 through Dec. 19, but not more than 250 at a time. Additionally, organizers plan on putting up signage reminding attendees to follow COVID-19 safety recommendations.

The tree lighting ceremony, a tradition since 2008, will be a little more modest this year due to COVID-19. Still, kids can get their picture taken with Santa Claus, and holiday vendors will be present. Organizers estimate about 850 people will show for the Nov. 21 event.

One New Year’s Eve event, coming to Market Common, should bring in around 750 attendees. The other, dubbed “Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021,” will attract roughly 500 revelers, organizers said.

Alcohol sales at the New Year’s events will stop at 11 p.m. to comply with Gov. Henry McMaster’s statewide order, intended to reduce coronavirus spread.

Don’t approve Dominion rate hike, customers say

With many South Carolinians already struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic, Dominion Energy’s proposed rate increase shouldn’t be approved, customers argued during a Monday Public Service Commission hearing.

“Between the doctor, bank fees and utility increases, it is getting hard to live,” Cynthia Jordan, an Elgin retiree, said, The State reported. “We were told Dominion would not increase rates, and now they are. It makes it hard to live on a fixed income.”

Dominion filed an application in August to raise its rate by 7.7%, which would mean a monthly increase of $9.68 for the average customer, if the Public Service Commission grants approval. The commission can make a decision by Feb. 15, and the rate increase would go into effect in March.

More public hearings on the issue are scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and can be viewed on the S.C. ETV website. To sign up to speak, call 803-896-5133 before 3 p.m. Tuesday.

This story was originally published November 11, 2020 at 6:45 AM.