COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 2

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.

Fewer than 500 cases reported

At least 445,523 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,606 have died since March, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 496 new COVID-19 cases, down from 740 reported the day before. Tuesday marks the lowest number of new cases reported in a day since Oct. 2.

Thirteen additional deaths were reported Tuesday.

At least 706 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Tuesday — the 15th consecutive day in which the total decreased.

As of Tuesday, 4.6% of COVID-19 tests were positive, up slightly from 4.1% on Monday. Health officials have said the goal is 5% or lower to control the spread of the virus.

More than 976,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in South Carolina as of Tuesday.

Official tells SC schools to reopen immediately

State Superintendent Molly Spearman called on schools statewide to resume in-person instruction five days a week as soon as possible, The State reported.

Spearman’s plea comes as South Carolina readies to enter Phase 1B of the vaccine rollout plan, which will include teachers, among others.

“Every family in South Carolina must be given the opportunity to send their children to schools five days a week, face-to-face,” she told them. “This vaccine will help you keep your schools safely open by eliminating staff quarantines. I’m asking every school district in South Carolina to implement a five-day a week plan immediately.”

Vaccine eligibility expanding next week

South Carolina will transition to Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan next week, making many more residents eligible to get vaccinated.

The next phase begins March 8, and will include about 2.7 million more South Carolinians.

Some of those include teachers, people 16 to 64 years old with pre-existing health conditions, individuals 55 years of age and up, and frontline workers whose jobs put them at an increased risk of contracting the coronavirus.

SC to receive first Johnson & Johnson vaccine shipment

South Carolina is expected to receive 41,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine this week, the state’s first shipment of the vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The deliveries will increase South Carolina’s weekly allotment of vaccines by 40%, The State reported, for a total of 147,000 doses coming in each week.

Unlike the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which recommend two doses for protection against the coronavirus, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot.

Why is public school enrollment down?

Enrollment in the Beaufort County School District fell this year by 1,173 students, and the school board sent a survey to parents asking why.

Of those who responded, about one-third said their child needed in-person education five days a week. About one-fifth said they were concerned about exposure to the coronavirus. And 75% of respondents said they probably won’t send their kids back to school this school year.

In total, enrollment fell 5.2% from the previous school year, the lowest it has been since 2013-2014.

Myrtle Beach extends face mask rules

Myrtle Beach’s COVID-19 emergency declaration was extended Monday through March 31, meaning residents and visitors must continue to wear face masks through the rest of the month — or longer if the declaration is extended again.

Under the ordinance, masks must be worn in businesses and other establishments open to the public. Violators can be fined up to $100.

Masks aren’t required at the beach.

This story was originally published March 2, 2021 at 7:11 AM.