COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Feb. 22
.png "South Carolina has received more than 1.1 million coronavirus vaccine doses and has administered more than 770,000 doses, according to health officials.")
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Positive test rate below 5%
At least 437,018 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,417 have died since March, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday reported 779 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,389 reported the day before.
Eight deaths were reported Monday.
At least 993 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Monday— marking the lowest total reported in nearly three months and the sixth consecutive day hospitalizations decreased.
As of Monday, 4.6% of COVID-19 tests were positive, the first time the rate of positive tests has dipped below 5% since June. Health officials have said 5% or lower should be reached in order to control the spread of the virus.
South Carolina has received more than 1.1 million coronavirus vaccine doses and has administered more than 770,000 of those.
SC residents discuss ‘pandemic dating’
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the dating landscape, adding new hurdles and challenges -- but people are still finding connection anyway.
The Sun News spoke with South Carolinians about how the dating scene looks today, their successes, their failures, and what it takes to navigate the minefield of potential missteps COVID has created and come out OK.
Experts weigh in on coronavirus variants
South Carolina has confirmed two coronavirus variants in the state — B.1.1.7, which was first identified in the United Kingdom, and B.1.351, which was first identified in South Africa.
Both formed as the virus naturally mutated over time and have been spreading rapidly around the world. The U.K. variant is more transmissible than the original strain, and the South Africa variant could be harder to control with the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Island Packet and Beaufort Gazette asked four health experts in South Carolina common questions about the variants. Here’s what they said.
More than 12,500 COVID cases reported in SC schools
As of Feb. 17, 12,556 cases of coronavirus have been reported in South Carolina’s public and charter schools, according to data from the state health department.
That’s an increase of 969 cases from a week ago and an increase of nearly 2,000 from two weeks ago.
This story was originally published February 22, 2021 at 7:12 AM.
