COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Feb. 11
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Deaths surpass 7,000
At least 419,435 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,010 have died since March, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 1,428 new cases, down from 1,516 Wednesday.
Eighty-four additional deaths were reported Thursday.
At least 1,391 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Thursday, marking the 10th day in a row hospitalizations have declined. Hospitalizations have fallen almost 44% since they peaked at 2,466 on Jan. 13.
As of Thursday, 10.3% of COVID-19 tests were positive, down from Wednesday’s 12.5%. Health officials have said the number should be closer to 5% to control the spread of the virus.
South Carolina had received 970,450 total doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and distributed 585,485 of those doses as of Thursday, according to DHEC.
Beaufort Co. schools may give staff COVID bonuses
Beaufort County School District’s finance committee is recommending that the school board approve one-time bonuses to staff, as COVID-19 hazard pay, The Island Packet reported.
Per the committee’s recommendation, full-time staff would receive $1,000, while part-time employees who work three to four days per week get $500. Staff that work between one and two days would get $250.
Custodians, cafeteria workers and other contract employees would get nothing.
However, the total amount given and when won’t be decided until after the district collects Beaufort County’s tax bills, which have been delayed this year, meaning bonuses likely won’t be seen until at least April.
DHEC has no vaccine service for homebound seniors
South Carolina has no program or service to give homebound seniors the COVID-19 vaccine, The Island Packet reports.
Many residents at nursing homes and assisted living facilities have been vaccinated thanks to a federal program, but it does nothing to help vaccine-eligible seniors who are living at home.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control told the Island Packet this week that they’re aware of the problem and are “working with community partners” to find a solution.
Midlands schools are looking for help amid staff shortages
School districts in the Midlands are facing staffing shortages due to COVID-19 and are looking for people to fill the gaps, The State reported.
Lexington 1 has had more than two dozen openings for teaching positions this semester and currently has 30 bus driver positions open. The driver shortage sometimes causes delays.
“Occasionally, some bus riders are getting home later,” district spokeswoman Kathryn McPhail said. “We double route buses daily, as we did last year. On a few days this school year, we’ve had to triple route buses.”
Lexington-Richland 5 is using a staffing company to provide much-needed substitute teachers.
“Their role has grown in importance as the district responds to the absences of teachers who are out sick, quarantining, or caring for others during the pandemic,” said Tamara Turner, chief of human resources for the district, The State reported.
Lexington 2 has a similar need for daily substitutes at schools in Cayce and West Columbia.
Senate approves $208 million to improve vaccine distribution
The South Carolina Senate passed a bill that would allocate $208 million to expand COVID-19 vaccine distribution, The State reported.
Under the bill, which still needs approval of the House, funding would be split among hospitals and other vaccine providers, and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. The money would help pay for vaccination clinics, as well as coronavirus testing, protective equipment, advertising campaigns and more.
“We want as many different providers,” said state Sen. Thomas Alexander, an Oconee County Republican. “This is all about getting shots in the arms, making sure that we get the vaccine out to the communities, especially rural areas, unserved areas along with the partnerships that have already been in existence.”
Beaufort and Bluffton extend mask rules
Two Lowcountry city councils voted Tuesday to extend their community mask mandates through April, The Island Packet reported.
Beaufort’s ordinance, which was extended by unanimous vote, will expire on April 9 unless renewed again.
Under the mandate, masks must be worn inside all buildings open to the public. Violators can be fined $50.
“I think (the situation) still warrants mandatory masking in place, social distancing, sanitizing, and trying to limit our activities as much as possible,” Mayor Stephen Murray said. “I know we’re all restless. I certainly am, but again, I believe the end is in sight.”
The Bluffton Town Council’s vote was also unanimous, keeping the mask rules in place until April 14.
Face coverings are required in establishments open to the public, as well as when riding in commercial transportation. The maximum fine is $50 for violating the ordinance.
Will smokers get vaccinated before others?
Some states have made smokers eligible to be vaccinated in earlier phases of vaccine rollouts, but South Carolina health officials are undecided, The State reported.
“We’re aware the CDC includes ‘smoking’ among numerous conditions that increase the risk for COVID-19 complications,” Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesperson Laura Renwick said. “South Carolina hasn’t drafted recommendations in regard to smokers at this time.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines list smokers as a high-risk category against COVID-19, recommending they be included in phase 1c. But the state has broken with the CDC’s rollout recommendations before.
This story was originally published February 11, 2021 at 7:16 AM.