Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 30

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

Over 2,000 South Carolinians hospitalized

At least 280,024 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina since March and 4,864 have died, according to state health officials.

The state Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 2,323 new COVID-19 cases, up from 2,208 reported the day before.

Forty-two deaths were reported Wednesday.

As of Wednesday, 2,001 people in South Carolina were hospitalized with the coronavirus, topping a record high set Tuesday.

The percentage of positive tests was 31.4% on Wednesday. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to slow the spread of the virus.

Going to NYE party in SC? This tool can calculate your COVID risk

Wonder what the odds are of running into someone with COVID-19 at a New Year’s Eve party, event, or get-together in South Carolina?

A new online tool created by researchers with the Georgia Institute of Technology can answer that — and in the Palmetto State, some gatherings will be a lot less risky in certain counties, The State reported. The relative coronavirus risk is also tied to how many people are in attendance.

In Lexington County, there’s a 28% chance of someone having COVID-19 at a 10-person gathering. If there’s 50 people, the odds jump to 80%.

Partying in Greenville County is much riskier, as a group of 15 people has a 50/50 shot that someone among them is infected with the coronavirus.

How safe is it to ring in the New Year with friends where you live? We looked at the data, breaking down where the risks are their highest and lowest, and how many friends may be too many to invite over this year.

West Columbia extends mask mandate into 2021

The West Columbia City Council voted to extend the community’s mask mandate that requires people to wear face coverings in businesses open to the public, The State reported.

The mandate, which is set to expire after 60 days unless it’s renewed, would have ended Jan. 2. But after earning the council’s unanimous approval Wednesday, the requirements will be in place for at least two more months.

Violators can be fined $25 under the ordinance.

The decision to keep the mandate alive comes as COVID-19 cases climb in the community, as they have been across the country during the last several weeks.

Brian Carter, West Columbia’s city administrator, said positive COVID cases have increased 32% within the city’s ZIP code over the last month.

Officials ask public to stay home from New Year’s celebrations

Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin and local hospital leaders held a news conference Wednesday, asking residents to stay home for New Year’s Eve.

“Enjoy the New Year’s celebrations from your home. Enjoy it from the safety of home with your family,” Benjamin said. “It’s our turn to say goodbye to the most difficult year many of us could imagine. We can do it safely or we can do it recklessly. I would encourage you, let’s do it safely.”

Benjamin was joined by Prisma CEO Mark O’Halla, and Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Rick Scott.

“What’s happening right now with COVID is a Category 5 type of situation,” O’Halla said, comparing the pandemic to the most severe hurricane category. For 10 months, Prisma staff and employees have been working hard on the front line of the pandemic, he said, and they haven’t asked for much, “but we are asking now ... for everybody to please dial back on New Year’s celebrations. Stay home and celebrate with your immediate family.”

Dr. Scott echoed Benjamin and O’Halla, and pointed to the 31.4% COVID-19 testing positivity rate reported Wednesday, calling it a “five alarm fire.”

Scott warned that if his advice isn’t heeded, New Year’s Eve is likely to become a spreader event.

DHEC responds to criticism of vaccine rollout, warns of 2021 surge

State lawmakers are laying criticism on the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, saying COVID-19 vaccines are being administered too slowly across South Carolina.

Rollout of the vaccine has been more sluggish than expected across the country, and DHEC defended its handling of the task in South Carolina on Wednesday, pointing out that 31% of the state’s allotted vaccines have been distributed, compared to the national average of 19%.

Neighboring North Carolina and Georgia have distributed 20% and 14%, respectively, DHEC spokeswoman Laura Renwick said.

With coronavirus cases surging in the state, and hospitalizations reaching record highs, health officials are putting a lot of hope on the vaccines.

“You just need to hold on a little bit longer,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC’s interim public health director. “We see this vaccine, we see it rolling out and tens of thousands of doses coming into our state every week. We are really asking people to stay the course.”

DHEC officials also warned that COVID is going to follow South Carolina into the new year, and in fact, will likely surge in January, as the cold forces people indoors.

How did SC congressmen vote on $2,000 COVID relief checks?

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a COVID-19 relief bill Monday that would increase stimulus payments for most Americans from $600 to $2,000.

How did South Carolina’s representatives vote?

The state’s seven U.S. House members split along party lines, The State reported: Republican Reps. Jeff Duncan, Ralph Norman, Tom Rice, William Timmons and Joe Wilson voted against the increase, while Democratic 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 on Twitter after the vote, referring to the initial amount of money offered.

President Donald Trump was a vocal champion of $2,000 payments, 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 from South Carolina. After spending Christmas Day golfing with Trump in Florida, Graham 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 experts’ 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 reiterated that indoor and outdoor events can’t have more than 250 attendees, or exceed 50% of allowed occupancy at a given business or establishment.

This story was originally published December 30, 2020 at 6:40 AM.