Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 17

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

Cases surpass 186,000

At least 186,528 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 3,884 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 1,088 new COVID-19 cases, up from 981 the day before.

Eleven coronavirus-related deaths were reported Tuesday.

The percentage of positive tests was 14% as of Tuesday. It’s been more than three weeks since DHEC has reported a rate of positive tests under 10%. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5%.

As of Tuesday, 800 patients were hospitalized with coronavirus-related symptoms.

Horry County won’t reconsider a mask mandate

The Horry County Council voted down an effort to open debate over renewing an emergency ordinance and a face mask mandate during a meeting Tuesday night.

A simple majority vote would have reopened the items for discussion, but council members voted 8-4 against.

Horry County’s face mask rule was lifted Oct. 31.

The four who voted in favor of discussing bringing back a mask mandate cited health and safety concerns, while the eight against said it would be impossible to enforce, and that it should be a decision for individual citizens to make.

SC attorney general in quarantine

Alan Wilson, South Carolina attorney general, is entering quarantine after learning he was exposed to someone who tested positive for the coronavirus, his office announced Tuesday.

Wilson will quarantine at home for the next 14 days. He isn’t showing any symptoms, according to his office, and while he hasn’t taken a COVID-19 test yet, he plans to get one soon.

USC president urges students to get tested before Thanksgiving

“Students, there is simply no good reason to not get tested,” University of South Carolina President Robert Caslen said in a letter sent Tuesday, urging students to get tested for COVID-19 before they go home for Thanksgiving.

The letter reminded students that it’s possible to spread the coronavirus even if they aren’t experiencing any symptoms themselves, and that older people are much more vulnerable to the virus.

“Parents and families, please talk with your students,” Caslen wrote. “Insist that they get tested before coming home, out of love and respect for your family.”

Nearly 40% of SC counties at COVID-19 ‘tipping point’

According to Harvard University researchers, 18 of South Carolina’s 46 counties are at the COVID-19 “tipping point” at which stay-at-home orders become needed.

Those 18 counties, mostly located Upstate and in the Midlands, are seeing 25 infections or more per 100,000 residents.

While positive tests and hospitalizations have been increasing since September, figures are still falling short of the record highs seen over the summer.

Senator says McMaster must do more to stop COVID-19

State Sen. Dick Harpootlian called on Gov. Henry McMaster to more aggressively combat the coronavirus pandemic, and to “get out of the way” of DHEC, or “encourage DHEC to do their job.”

Harpootlian said if further action isn’t taken, more infections and deaths will follow, and so will more lockdowns, which will in turn hurt businesses and livelihoods.

“Where is the state? Why aren’t they involved in doing something to control the spread?” Harpootlian asked the crowd of nearly 100 at the Columbia Rotary Club on Monday.

In response to Harpootlian’s comments, a spokesperson for Gov. McMaster said it is aware of the “concerning trend of COVID-19 cases throughout the country” in recent weeks, but that the measures already being taken in South Carolina should be adequate.

“Prioritize the health and safety of our elderly citizens, maintain social distancing when possible, and wear a face covering when necessary,” the spokesperson said.

McMaster recently reiterated that he will not be issuing any new COVID-19 orders or restrictions.

Pandemic hurt new business growth in Beaufort

The COVID-19 pandemic is hurting new business development in communities across Beaufort County, the Island Packet reported.

The number of new business licenses in unincorporated Beaufort County dropped 37% from April to September, compared to the previous year. In that same period, Hilton Head Island saw 24% fewer new business licenses issued. Applications also fell in the city of Beaufort.

“Leisure and hospitality has been hit so hard, and leisure and hospitality tends to have a disproportionately large number of small businesses,” Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist at the University of South Carolina, said. “That’s going to affect the incentive to begin to look to start a new business.”

Continuing economic uncertainty likely will keep many from opening a business, Von Nessen said.

Still, there are new businesses sprouting up around the county, regardless of the perceived risk, the Island Packet reported. And some communities, including Bluffton, recently have been showing signs of rebounding.

This story was originally published November 17, 2020 at 6:55 AM.