Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 22
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases surpass 257,000
At least 257,340 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 4,602 have died, according to state health officials.
Nearly 52,500 cases have been reported so far in December, marking the most infections reported in South Carolina in a single month.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 2,055 new COVID-19 cases, down from 2,121 reported the day before.
Fifteen additional deaths were reported Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, 1,586 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with the coronavirus.
The percentage of positive tests was 18.1% on Tuesday, down from 21.7% the day before. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to slow the spread of the virus.
Beaufort, other SC counties, deemed ‘sustained hotspots’ for COVID
Beaufort County, and most other South Carolina counties, are considered “sustained hotspots” for COVID-19 activity, according to a new report from the White House.
In the report, federal officials predict coronavirus cases will continue to Beaufort County increase, adding that the county is at “higher risk for experiencing health care resource limitations,” The Island Packet reported.
Most counties in the state are deemed “sustained hotspots,” except rural areas such as Allendale and Bamberg counties.
Beaufort saw positivity rates from 15.1% to 20% through the middle of December, according to the federal report. Williamsburg and Lancaster counties had similar rates, while Calhoun and Pickens counties saw some of the highest, reaching 25.1% and up during the same period.
COVID-19 complications mean no bowl game for Gamecocks
The University of South Carolina won’t be heading to the Gasparilla Bowl on Saturday due to complications caused by COVID-19.
“The team was excited to learn Sunday that it would play in the Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa on Saturday,” athletic director Ray Tanner said in a statement. “However, between members of the coaching staff and student-athletes, COVID and contact tracing has taken a toll too high for us to overcome. I have notified the bowl and the SEC office that we are not able to play in the game on Saturday.”
Every offensive coach except for interim head coach Mike Bobo is in quarantine because of safety protocols, a source told The State.
DHEC announces new director pick
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced its choice for new director of the agency Tuesday.
Edward Simmer, a military official and a doctor, will be taking over the role vacated in the summer by Rick Toomey.
“A captain in the United States Navy, medical doctor, highly credentialed, incredibly intelligent,’’ said board member Jim Creel, a Myrtle Beach businessman serving on the selection subcommittee.
Simmer has also served as chief clinical officer for the TRICARE Health Plan at the Defense Health Agency.
The board’s selection must be approved by Gov. Henry McMaster and state senate, a process which could take until late winter.
Gov. McMaster tests positive for COVID-19
Gov. Henry McMaster, 73, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms, his office announced Tuesday.
McMaster’s diagnosis comes days after his wife, Peggy McMaster, also tested positive for the virus.
McMaster has a cough and is feeling mild fatigue, his office said. He will be getting a Monoclonal antibody treatment Tuesday to help fight the infection, and quarantine for 10 days at the governor’s mansion.
“Peggy and I urge everyone to be extra careful during the Christmas holiday season,” McMaster said in a statement. “This virus spreads very easily.”
Lexington mask mandate back in effect
The Lexington Town Council voted 5-2 to require masks to be worn in public, The State reported.
The new mandate will be in effect through May 1. The decision comes nearly two months after Lexington allowed its mask ordinance to expire.
“Every city around us has a mask ordinance,” said Mayor Steve MacDougall. “Our health officials are asking for a mask ordinance, our business professionals are asking for a mask ordinance, our schools are asking for a mask ordinance, and that’s what we’re doing.”
Some lawmakers have been vaccinated, others say they’re waiting
Some members of Congress from South Carolina were among the first Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but others say they will wait until it is available to the general public before they get inoculated.
U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham, 65, and Tim Scott, 55, and U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, 80, announced on Twitter that they have been vaccinated.
“Thank God for nurses who help people in need and know how to use a needle. Thank God for those who produced these vaccines,” Graham tweeted. “If enough of us take it, we will get back to normal lives. Help is on the way.”
Doses of coronavirus vaccines are currently in short supply, and likely won’t be available to the public at large for several months.
Front line health care workers are the primary group targeted to receive the early doses available now.
U.S. Rep.-elect Nancy Mace, who unseated Joe Cunningham in November, said she would wait for her “turn in line.”
“Congress shouldn’t be putting themselves first in line for the COVID-19 vaccination when the average American can’t get it,” Mace tweeted. “For as long as the vaccines are limited, we should prioritize healthcare and frontline workers, and every person at greater risk, especially the elderly.”
Mace contracted the coronavirus in June. According to studies, antibodies produced while the body fights off the infection may also provide protection against COVID-19 in the future.
U.S. Rep. Tom Rice’s office said he too will wait to get inoculated.
“Since he had COVID-19 previously and has antibodies, he wants to ensure that the elderly and frontline workers receive the vaccine first,” spokesperson Cally Perkins said.
Masks, tests and more: How lawmakers will return
The South Carolina Senate will be masked up and socially distanced when its 46 members return to Columbia in January, The State reported.
No such agreement has been made in the S.C. House, though House Speaker Jay Lucas’ office has repeatedly asked the 124-member body to wear masks while inside the chamber. A handful of representatives have openly defied those requests.
Many in the legislature agree meeting face to face is imperative, but there is concern about what might happen if a large COVID-19 outbreak occurs in the state house — particularly because many senators and representatives are of an age considered at higher risk of developing complications due to coronavirus.
Touchless thermometers will be installed at the entrances to the Senate’s Gressette office building, and COVID-19 testing will be available to all senators and staff.
“The protocols require the participation and cooperation of everyone,” Senate President Harvey Peeler wrote in a memo. “The Clerk and Sergeant-At-Arms are responsible for supporting and implementing this plan in order to keep everyone safe. That being said, it is your responsibility to make sure you follow the protocols and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.”
Upstate hospitals nearing capacity
Leaders of five Upstate health centers held a press conference Monday to sound the alarm as COVID-19 cases rise and their hospitals’ ICUs are stretched thin, The State reported.
Hospitalizations have doubled in South Carolina since before Thanksgiving, and the increase is especially great in the Upstate region.
Health officials said the growing hospitalizations are due in large part to a lack of social distancing and mask use among some of the population.
“Each of us has a responsibility to do our part to lower the spread of this disease,” Anmed Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Mock said, calling the coronavirus pandemic “the greatest public health crisis of our lifetime.”
This story was originally published December 22, 2020 at 6:45 AM.