Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 29
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Total cases surpass 277,000
At least 277,563 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina since March and 4,804 have died, according to state health officials.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 2,208 new COVID-19 cases, up from 1,540 reported the day before.
Twenty-two deaths were reported Tuesday.
As of Tuesday, 1,954 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with the coronavirus, topping a record high set Monday.
The percentage of positive tests was 27.1% on Tuesday. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to slow the spread of the virus.
How did SC congressmen vote on $2,000 Covid relief checks?
The House passed a COVID-19 relief bill Monday promising, among other things, $2,000 checks to Americans under a certain income, by a vote of 275-134. How did South Carolina’s congressmen vote on the COVID package?
The state’s seven U.S. House representatives split along party lines: Republican Reps. Jeff Duncan, Ralph Norman, Tom Rice, William Timmons and Joe Wilson voted against it, while Democrats Reps. Jim Clyburn and Joe Cunningham voted in favor.
“$600 is not enough to help struggling American families keep a roof over their head, put food on the table, and keep the lights on,” Clyburn said after the vote, referring to the initial amount of money offered.
President Donald Trump was a vocal champion of the increase from $600 to $2,000 checks, but none of South Carolina’s Republican representatives backed the bill on Monday.
Timmons said he supports the $2,000 stimulus checks, but couldn’t get behind the bill as it is written.
Having passed the House, the bill is headed to the Senate next, where it’s expected to face much greater opposition.
However, it does at least have an ally in U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham who, after spending Christmas Day golfing with Trump in Florida, made clear where he stands.
“I support President @realDonaldTrump’s demand to increase direct payments for long-suffering Americans to $2,000 per person,” Graham wrote in a tweet.
McMaster warns against large New Year’s Eve parties
As New Year’s Eve approaches, Gov. Henry McMaster is asking South Carolinians to avoid large gatherings, and to heed expert’s advice for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
“South Carolinians know what to do to limit the virus’ spread, but there are indications that folks may be letting their guard down as it relates to large gatherings,” McMaster said in a statement Tuesday, following media reports of Upstate businesses planning to throw New Year’s Eve parties despite high COVID case counts in the region.
McMaster also took the opportunity to reiterate that indoor and outdoor events can’t have more than 250 attendees, or exceed 50% of allowed occupancy at a given business or establishment.
USC men’s basketball practices again after lengthy delay
The University of South Carolina men’s basketball team has missed five straight games due to positive coronavirus tests among players and staff, but after multiple delays, the team began practicing again over the weekend.
“We’re trying to figure this out; it’s a day-by-day process,” head coach Frank Martin said Monday on the SEC coaches’ weekly teleconference. “Everyone got back in on the 26th, and we tested Sunday morning. We were able to get back on the court. As we continue to test and reacclimate ... the plan is to play that game on Jan. 2. How many guys we will have is up in the air right now, but that’s the plan.”
The team aims to play its next scheduled home game Saturday against Florida A&M, according to Martin.
Saturday is the last non-conference game currently on the Gamecocks schedule.
Columbia’s virtual New Year’s Eve celebration won’t be ‘second rate’
Organizers of Columbia’s Famously Hot New Year’s Celebration say that despite the event being held virtually, it will be a memorable night of revelry and entertainment.
“What we are going to see is not some second-rate celebration,” event co-founder and board chairman Sam Johnson said, The State reported. “We’re going to see a first-class production that features great talent, locally and nationally. … I’m very proud of what we’ve been able to put together this year.”
Famously Hot will be streamed online and broadcast from WLTX starting at 10:30 p.m. Thursday.
Acts include hit hip-hop group Arrested Development, Sister Hazel, Reggie Sullivan, Capital City Playboys, and more. Hootie & the Blowfish are also scheduled to perform.
There won’t be a live fireworks show this year, but instead, highlights from previous Famously Hot celebrations will be broadcast.
This story was originally published December 29, 2020 at 6:52 AM.