Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 15
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases surpass 239,000
At least 239,119 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 4,402 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 2,303 new COVID-19 cases, down from 2,364 reported the day before.
Four additional deaths were reported Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, 1,046 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with the coronavirus.
The percentage of positive tests was 19.9% on Tuesday, down from 20.3% Monday. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to slow the spread of the virus.
Some students who don’t get tested may be fined, USC says
University of South Carolina students who live oncampus may soon face fines if they don’t get tested for COVID-19 once a month, The State reported.
On first offense, there would be a formal warning, according to a presentation delivered by Kelly Epting, USC’s associate vice president for finance and budget.
The second missed month means a $100 fine, followed by $250 fine the third month. On the fourth month, the university will move to suspend the student.
The new rules would apply to anyone who lives on campus, is enrolled in an in-person or hybrid class, or is on a Greek Village meal plan.
SC businesses received $5.8 billion in COVID loans. Who got what?
About 66,000 South Carolina businesses received $5.8 billion from the federal Paycheck Protection Program, The Sun News reported. Who got what?
The U.S. Small Business Administration previously wouldn’t share granular details regarding the PPP, which ran from April 3 to Aug. 8, but released the data earlier this month after a series of lawsuits from dozens of news outlets.
The new information shows what companies received loans and for how much.
For example, three companies — HKA Enterprises LLC, of Duncan, and Human Technologies Inc, of Greenville, and Thompson Industrial Services, LLC, based in Sumter — were given $10 million loans, the largest available.
Meanwhile, Star & Tile Flooring in Columbia received just $14.
Columbia extends face mask mandate
Columbia City Council voted Tuesday to extend the city’s mask mandate for another two months, The State reported.
Under the mandate, residents must wear masks in public spaces or face a possible $100 fine.
Council members voted unanimously in favor of the extension, which will last 60 days, at which point the council can vote to extend it again or allow it to expire.
First vaccines arrive at Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center received 3,000 doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine Tuesday, and will begin inoculating staff throughout the afternoon, The State reported.
The West Columbia hospital is among 15 health care systems in South Carolina to have received shipments so far, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“The arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine is a historic moment for Lexington Medical Center, our community and the world,” Tod Augsburger, president & CEO of Lexington Medical Center, said in a statement. “We’ve been anxiously anticipating this monumental day and hope it signifies a turning point and the beginning of the end of this global pandemic.”
All 43,000 initial vaccine doses should arrive at their destinations by Wednesday, DHEC says. After that, more vaccines will ship to South Carolina on a weekly basis — between 200,000 and 300,000 by the end of the year.
Mask mandates made difference in Horry County, data show
Unincorporated areas of Horry County saw coronavirus cases spike significantly after the County Council allowed its mask mandate to expire, The Sun News reported.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced on three separate occasions that municipalities with mask ordinances see fewer cases of COVID-19.
A Sun News analysis of DHEC data shows six Horry County zip codes saw an average of 31 new cases a day while a mandate was in place and jumped to 46 after it expired.
These findings run counter to assertions by some County Council members who claim a countywide mask mandate is not effective, the Sun News reported.
Schools to receive $84 million in COVID-19 relief
South Carolina K-12 schools will receive $84 million in coronavirus relief money, with distribution of the funds starting this week, the state Department of Education announced Monday.
Schools can spend the money on things like protective equipment and hiring school nurses or employees to help struggling students.
“Our teachers, nurses, and school staff have gone above and beyond to support students throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said in a press release. “These funds are to be used to maintain and support their efforts to welcome additional students back safely for face-to-face instruction and meet the needs of those that are struggling both online and in the classroom.”
Funds will be split among school districts statewide based on student population.
SC receives its first COVID-19 vaccine doses
South Carolina’s first shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine arrived Monday, with the first doses slated for health care workers, The State reported.
Officials expect to have 43,000 doses by Wednesday and between 200,000 and 300,000 before the end of the year. Vaccines will be distributed to 56 sites across the state this week.
Front-line medical workers and long-term care facility residents will be the first to receive the vaccine, which requires two doses.
Five health care workers at Conway Medical Center in Horry County were among the first in the state to receive the vaccine on Monday, The Myrtle Beach Sun News reported.
Over 100 workers at the facility had registered to be vaccinated by Monday afternoon. Hospital officials say they expect enough doses will be available for all employees, but workers won’t be required to get vaccinated.
Masks must still be worn at the hospital, regardless of whether an individual has been vaccinated, an official said.
“It’s an obligation for us to do it,” Dr. Stephen Brady, who works in the cardiology department, said, urging others to get the vaccine as well once it becomes more widely available. “If you care about your parents, your grandparents, your friends or anybody, you should feel obligated to get the vaccine.”
Beaufort County extends face mask rule
Face masks will be required in public spaces in unincorporated Beaufort County through Feb. 13 after the council voted Monday to extend the rule.
A mask mandate has been in place since early July. The Beaufort County Council voted 8-3 on Monday to extend it, The Island Packet reported.
This story was originally published December 15, 2020 at 7:08 AM.