COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 5
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 448,000
At least 448,275 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,697 have died since last March, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 1,079 new COVID-19 cases, up from 819 reported the day before.
Thirty-six additional deaths were reported Friday.
At least 664 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Friday.
As of Friday, 5.7% of COVID-19 tests were positive, up from 5.5% on Thursday. Health officials have said the goal is 5% or lower to control the spread of the virus.
Slightly more than 1.2 million doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in South Carolina as of Friday.
McMaster loosens mask rules
Under a new order issued Friday by Gov. Henry McMaster, face masks are no longer required to be worn inside of restaurants and state-owned buildings.
McMaster cited declining coronavirus case counts and large scale vaccination efforts as cause for loosening statewide mask rules.
“Now that the majority of South Carolinians are eligible to receive the vaccine, and infections and hospitalizations have dropped significantly, state agency heads may safely bring back the last group of state employees working remotely,” McMaster said.
USC to ramp up on-campus vaccinations
Starting Monday, the University of South Carolina will ramp up vaccination efforts on campus, The State reported.
The move comes as the state nears Phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on March 8. In the new phase, many more South Carolinians will become eligible for vaccination, including teachers, people 55 years of age and up, people between 16 and 64 with pre-existing health conditions, and more.
That means much of the university’s staff will be able to get vaccinated. However, most students won’t qualify unless they have an underlying condition.
SC residents reflect one year into COVID pandemic
We asked our readers to reflect on the last year and tell us how COVID-19 has changed their lives, and they responded.
Many experienced loss, and violent upheaval, but also found silver linings amid the pandemic.
Some realized just how much they miss their coworkers when they’re not around. Some grew closer to family, having seen for themselves how easily loved ones can be lost. Some have learned to be resilient in ways they never would have expected.
The coronavirus has touched everyone some way or another. Here’s what South Carolinians had to say.
Horry County to vaccinate public despite DHEC dispute
Despite a dispute that led the state Department of Health and Environmental Control to halt vaccine shipments to the Horry County, the 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.
Previously, DHEC had expressed concerns that Horry County was administering vaccines to people who were not eligible under the state’s plan.
Greenville County 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 State reported.
The announcement may come with little notice, so school officials are asking parents to prepare childcare arrangements in advance.
This story was originally published March 5, 2021 at 7:14 AM.