COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Feb. 18
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Over 1,400 new cases reported
At least 431,074 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,277 have died since March, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 1,451 new COVID-19 cases, up from 655 reported the day before. Thursday breaks a two day streak of fewer than 1,000 new daily cases.
Thirty-two additional deaths were reported Thursday.
At least 1,137 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Thursday, the lowest point in over two months.
As of Thursday, 10% of COVID-19 tests were positive. Health officials have said the number should be close to 5% to control the spread of the virus.
Delays force hospitals to reschedule 1,000 vaccine appointments
Due to shipping delays caused by winter storms, hospitals in Beaufort County had to reschedule nearly 1,000 COVID-19 vaccination appointments this week, The Island Packet reports.
Beaufort Memorial Hospital and Hilton Head Regional Healthcare, said doses they were expecting did not show. Only first doses appointments had to be postponed at either hospital, and second dose appointments are still on track.
Grocery chain Kroger also said it was impacted by shipping delays. Spokespeople for other pharmacies didn’t respond to questions from the Island Packet.
Nick Davidson, senior deputy for public health at DHEC, said he expects the supply chain to recover quickly.
“As far as the overall vaccine rollout goes, it will just be a blip,” he said of the disruption.
$25 million program launched to aid homeowners, renters hurt by COVID
For those struggling to keep a roof over their heads during the pandemic, there’s $25 million in help available.
Through the “SC Stay” program, launched Thursday, South Carolinians behind on housing bills can apply to receive either six months of rent or mortgage payments, or $7,500, The State reported.
To qualify, applicants must have an income 80% less than the median in their area. If approved, payments will go to the mortgage lender or landlord of the applicant.
An initial application can be filled out online here, or by dialing 833-985-2929. Applicants should have a copy of their rental lease or mortgage agreement on hand, as well as contact info for their landlord or mortgage lender. Applicants must also explain how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted them financially.
SC vaccination rates show racial disparities
About 10% of South Carolina’s white residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to 5% of Black residents and 3% of Hispanic residents, The State reports.
The new data released this week by state health officials highlights a stark racial disparity that didn’t come as a surprise to health officials.
“I think disparity is typical,” said Georges C. Benjamin, director of the American Public Health Association, adding that many states are seeing similar data. “The issue here is whether it’s avoidable, and I believe it’s avoidable. States should do whatever they can to eliminate disparities.”
Part of the issue is that Black people are less trusting of the vaccines and are biding their time to ensure that it’s safe, experts say, pointing out that there are historical betrayals perpetrated against Black Americans which fuel that distrust.
Studies show Hispanic residents are also hesitant to get inoculated, at least for the time being.
Still, many argue that the system for allocating vaccine doses is largely to blame for the disparities. And in recent weeks, DHEC has begun changing its allocation strategy in an effort to achieve equitable vaccine distribution.
Vaccine ‘Hunger Games’ underway in South Carolina
With lawmakers considering moving teachers toward the front of the COVID-19 vaccine line, more workers and employers in other fields are asking for the same treatment, The State reported.
Industry representatives went to bat for workers in manufacturing, public transit, adult day care, the clergy and more, arguing that they too are essential workers at risk of exposure to the coronavirus.
“This process kind of reminds you of a modern day ‘Hunger Games,’” House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford said. “It deals with people fighting for survival. We’re sitting on this panel and we’re forced to be in this position because the Senate didn’t do any semblance of a job and didn’t listen to any testimony or think about the bill they sent over.”
The House is mulling the bill which passed in the Senate earlier this month. Unless it passes the full legislature, teachers will have to wait until phase 1B of the state’s vaccine rollout plan.
The push to get teachers inoculated quickly is likewise motivated by a desire among lawmakers to see schools reopened five days a week.
Waiting on COVID test results? There’s a new way to check
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control has launched a new process for people to see the results of their COVID-19 tests.
Those who get tested and still don’t have results after 72 hours can call the DHEC Care Line at 1-855-472-3432, or email ACC-Testing-CustomerService@dhec.sc.gov.
Callers will be directed to testing teams who have access to a secure database and can look up results, even for individuals who weren’t tested at DHEC-sponsored sites, The Island Packet reports.
This story was originally published February 18, 2021 at 7:49 AM.