Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 13
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Over 1,300 new cases reported
At least 181,243 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,835 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 1,348 new COVID-19 cases, up from 1,243 the day before. Officials have reported 1,000 cases or more five times in the last week, pushing the seven-day moving average to the highest it’s been since August.
Seventeen coronavirus-related deaths were reported Friday.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests was 14.7% as of Friday. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.
As of Friday, 775 patients were hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms in South Carolina.
Horry County GOP leader dies of COVID-19
Robert Rabon, former chairman of the Horry County Republican Party, and an influential figure in local politics, died Friday due to COVID-19, The Sun News reported. He was 70.
Rabon, who grew up on a farm in Aynor, went on to own and operate a successful business — Rabon’s Housing Center — for 40 years. He served as chairman of the Horry County GOP for 10 years across two terms, and as a member of the county council during the 1970s and 80s.
Though considered a shrewd politician, Rabon was also remembered as a dedicated family man by friends and colleagues.
“He loved his country and I never knew any man who loved his family as much as Robert,” said Gerri McDaniel, a longtime friend of Rabon and a state GOP operative. “There’s a void here in politics now. He was the type of person who you wished you had a third of the knowledge he did.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham commented on Rabon’s passing, saying he was “a can-do, optimistic leader who was invaluable to growing the Republican Party in Horry County.”
Rabon is survived by four children and nine grandchildren.
SC schools report 900 cases in two weeks
Nearly 900 students and staff at South Carolina schools have tested positive for the coronavirus in the last two weeks, according to data from the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Of the 3,004 cases reported in schools statewide since the school year began, students account for 2,095, and employees make up 909.
Beaufort Co. schools plan return to in-person classes
Students in Beaufort County will be able to attend in-person classes five days a week during the spring semester, superintendent Frank Rodriguez announced Friday, the Island Packet reported.
Students can also opt to do virtual classes only, which will be available at least until the end of the school year.
Parents can make changes to their child’s spring semester registration from Nov. 16 to Nov. 24.
The majority of the district’s 22,000 students — 62% of them — were enrolled in a hybrid instruction model as of Oct. 19.
Experts predict winter COVID-19 surge. How will SC prepare?
Coronavirus activity has been growing across the state since the start of November, lining up with expert predictions that COVID-19 cases will surge nationwide as colder weather prevails. But what will South Carolina leaders do to fight the resurgence?
Gov. Henry McMaster has said he will not be issuing any new orders or implementing more measures to control coronavirus spread, The State reported.
“It is incumbent upon South Carolinians to do what they know they need to do to stay safe,” governor’s office spokesman Brian Symmes said.
State legislators, both Republican and Democrat, say it’s difficult to address the pandemic from their position. They want to prevent it from spreading but don’t want to hurt businesses. That balance is a constant consideration.
House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford, D-Richland, said his party’s focus when the legislative section begins in January will be “making sure that this state operates in a safe a manner as possible while respecting business and an employee’s right to work.”
Instead of pushing for more restrictions, Rutherford says he is interested in offering incentives for businesses that operate safely.
Republicans have not met yet to discuss any pandemic plans they might bring to the table in January, but they have said they aren’t interested in further restrictions.
Christmas display canceled
Shelter Cove Towne Centre is traditionally wrapped in thousands of bright lights around Christmas time, but the Hilton Head shopping mall’s annual display is canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We did not feel it was professionally responsible to encourage large gatherings at this time,” Shelter Cove spokesperson Roni Allbritton told The Island Packet. “We do hope people will continue to shop our stores and restaurants.”
Allbritton said several individual stores have planned holiday events independently:
- Dec. 8: The Women’s Association of Hilton Head’s “Shop Local and Dine About,” from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Dec. 11 through Dec. 13: Towne Centre will hold a Holiday Sidewalk Sale
- Dec. 13: Light up the Lowcountry Public Menorah lighting at 5 p.m.
- Dec. 28: Red Cross Blood Drive from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.
Columbia to crack down on mask violations
Columbia strengthened its mask ordinance earlier this month, upping fines to $100 and requiring masks be worn in all public places. Now, those enforcing the mask rule say they will be less lenient going forward.
“For a while, we weren’t issuing any tickets. But, we are doing it now,” Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said.
Firefighters have served as the enforcement arm for Columbia’s mask ordinance, and they’ve preferred to give verbal warnings to violators instead of citations. But the odds of getting off with just a warning are growing slimmer, Jenkins said. “The grace period is over.”
Mayor Steve Benjamin told The State that the “goal has never been to write tickets,” but with tougher enforcement and heftier fines, he hopes to see greater compliance.
Most SC businesses won’t see unemployment tax increase
With the state still struggling to recover economically from the COVID-19 pandemic, most South Carolina businesses will not see unemployment insurance tax rates grow next year, officials said Thursday.
“Even though we have gone through a terrific pandemic, we will not be raising taxes on businesses with unemployment insurance,” Gov. Henry McMaster said, although 13% of businesses will still see their tax rate increase for reasons not caused by the coronavirus.
Earlier this year, officials warned the state fund that pays unemployment benefits was at risk of being emptied as layoffs surged, and that the government might have to step in and assist.
According to Dan Ellzey, head of the state Department of Employment and Workforce, the agency has paid over 700,000 unemployment claims since March.
DHEC faces difficulty finding new director
Challenges posed by COVID-19 may be scaring away candidates from South Carolina’s top health job, The State reported.
Since director Rick Toomey stepped away six months ago, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control has been focused on finding someone to fill the role — needed now more than ever.
Though DHEC is interviewing five candidates, there have been fewer applicants than the last time the job was open, concerning some officials.
State Sen. Dick Harpootlian, a Democrat, said DHEC needs to hurry up and make a hire, but recently suggested the agency may also be scaring away good applicants.
“I am concerned and afraid that this position has now gotten the reputation for being nothing more than a political appointment,’’ he said. “With this COVID crisis, this is the worst possible situation to be in.’’
Officials had previously said a new director would be hired by November, but DHEC says it will take until at least December before a choice is made.
The ongoing pandemic has made qualified health experts more valuable, and the department is facing competition from other states, and even President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, seeking such experts.
This story was originally published November 13, 2020 at 6:36 AM.