Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 6
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases surpass 216,000
At least 216,378 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 4,237 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Sunday reported 2,538 new COVID-19 cases, down from 2,715 reported the day before, which was the highest single-day increase since the pandemic began.
Forty-three additional deaths were reported Sunday.
As of Sunday, 1,025 people in South Carolina were hospitalized for the coronavirus. Last week was the first time in more than three months that COVID-19 patients had occupied more than 1,000 hospital beds statewide.
The percentage of positive tests was 21.2% on Sunday, the fourth day in a row positive test rates were about 21% — which hasn’t happened since mid-July. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to slow spread of the virus.
School districts moves online
Orangeburg County schools will move to online-only classes due to the spread of COVID-19 among teachers and staff, district officials said Saturday in a news release.
Virtual learning will start Monday and last through winter break.
All athletic practices and competitions were suspended Thursday after four student athletes tested positive, requiring their teams and coaching staffs to quarantine. Employees with extensive close contacts throughout the schools also tested positive Friday and Saturday.
“Consistent with our district’s commitment to make decisions with the health and safety of our students, staff, families and community as our highest priority, Orangeburg County School District will transition all learning to a 100% virtual model, effective immediately, through Winter Break,” officials said in the release.
Other schools have also seen an increased number of staff absent in recent weeks.
Lexington-Richland 5 School District voted to move middle and high school students to a hybrid schedule last week after many teachers called in sick, The State reports. In the Lexington 2, more than 20 teachers were out multiple days last week, in what appeared to be a protest over coronavirus policies. A “higher than normal” number of teachers were absent at Airport High School and Brookland-Cayce High School.
Teacher dies of COVID-19
A third-grade teacher at an elementary school in Lexington died from COVID-19 complications Saturday, Lexington County School District One officials said Sunday.
Staci A. Blakely, a teacher at Carolina Springs Elementary School, tested positive for the coronavirus on Nov. 11 and was last at the school on Nov. 5
She had 28 years of experience in education, according to officials.
“Mrs. Blakely’s death is a tragedy,” Lexington One Superintendent Greg Little said in a news release. “She was a wonderful, warm teacher who will be missed.”
The district said it followed procedures for contact tracing and notification of close contacts after learning Blakely tested positive for COVID-19. No other COVID-19 cases have been reported in individuals in her classroom, either before or after she became sick, officials said.
“One of the ways we can celebrate her life is being sure that we continue to take care of each other,” Little said.
State senators plan in-person retreats
South Carolina senators are planning to meet in person this month for their annual retreats to plan strategy for the upcoming legislative session.
Republicans are planning to meet at Kiawah Island Dec. 13-15 while Democratic senators are planning a gathering in Sumter County on Dec. 16.
This comes as coronavirus cases are surging.
Leaders of both parties say they are planning to take precautions during the gatherings.
Republican members will be required to wear masks while at the resort. During sessions they will be in a spacious ballroom, and each of the 30 members will have their own folding table to themselves to ensure social distancing, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey told The State.
Democratic leaders with health concerns won’t be required to attend.
Members will be required to wear masks and are also scheduled to meet in a large conference room to allow for social distancing. The event was shortened to one day.
How long until you can get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Doses of COVID-19 vaccine will initially be limited, and individuals considered high risk will be the first to get inoculated, followed by the broader public as more doses become available.
So when will you be able to get vaccinated?
The answer could depend on several factors, and there’s a new tool that can help determine how long of a wait to expect, based on the user’s age, career, where they live and more.
We explored the tool to get an idea of where South Carolinians of different backgrounds might be in the waiting line for a coronavirus vaccine.
SC legislator tests positive, had attended work session
A South Carolina lawmaker who attended a two-day House organizational session held this week has tested positive for COVID-19, The State reported.
Over 120 House members attended the session, according to an email sent from House Speaker Jay Lucas’ office to members and staff Thursday.
The member’s name was not given, but anyone who had been in close contact with them has been told and advised to go into quarantine.
The incident raises questions about how the state legislature will handle infections when members return next year and what impact COVID-19 will have on the important work being done.
“It is imperative that we meet like we meet in person here,” House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-York, told The State on Tuesday. “We’re practicing social distancing as you know, offering tests to members so that we are as proactive as possible throughout this process. But the needs of the citizens of South Carolina are paramount. We must be here.”
This story was originally published December 6, 2020 at 10:41 AM.
