COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 4

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

Cases surpass 447,000

At least 447,085 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,660 have died since March, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 819 new COVID-19 cases, up from 583 reported the day before.

Thirty-eight additional deaths were reported Thursday.

At least 734 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Thursday.

As of Thursday, 5.5% of COVID-19 tests were positive, down from 9.6% on Wednesday. Health officials have said the goal is 5% or lower to control the spread of the virus.

More than 1,017,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in South Carolina as of Thursday.

Horry Co. able to vaccinate public despite DHEC dispute

Due to a dispute between Horry County and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, DHEC has halted vaccine shipments to the county — but Horry County will begin vaccinating members of the public with its remaining supply starting next week, The Sun News reported.

It’s not clear how many people the county would be able to vaccinate with the remaining supply, but it will make sure anyone who gets a first dose also gets their second, county spokesperson Kelly Moore said.

Greenville Co. schools to host teacher vaccination days

Greenville County schools is teaming up with Bon Secours St. Francis Health System to host mass vaccination events for its teachers — and that means a temporary return to virtual learning for students is in the near future.

It’s not clear yet when the events will be held, as organizers are waiting until they have enough doses available, but schools will have to be closed for at least two days when the time comes.

The announcement may come on short notice, so school officials are asking parents to prepare childcare arrangements in advance.

SC halts rent assistance applications due to overwhelming demand

A state program launched less than a month ago to help South Carolinians struggling to pay their rent or mortgage during the pandemic has been overwhelmed with applications.

The $25 million program run by SC Housing received over 7,000 applications in the first 10 days, of which 5,000 seemed to qualify. Inundated with pleas for help, the agency has been forced to halt applications while it works to catch up, The State reported.

Those approved for assistance can receive six months of back rent, or up to $7,500 paid into their mortgage.

Qualifying applicants must make less than 80% of the median income in the area they live, and be able to prove their finances have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.

Isolation takes a toll on SC seniors

The isolation brought on by the coronavirus pandemic has been felt to some degree by many South Carolinians, but a sense of loneliness and hopelessness has hit seniors particularly hard.

As the most vulnerable against COVID-19, the disease has exacted a physical and psychological toll. Some pegged their hopes on vaccines — but even as more and more Americans are inoculated every day, it will likely be months before things can return to the way they were.

“I feel a whole lot better and safer after I took that shot,” 66-year-old Calvin Jenkins told The State. “I figured things would change. But it didn’t. It still stayed the same.”

He added: “I’m just hoping this thing will go ahead and pass over with.”

This story was originally published March 4, 2021 at 7:15 AM.