COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 1
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 500 new cases reported
At least 465,650 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 8,087 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 510 new COVID-19 cases, up from 474 reported the day before.
Fourteen coronavirus-related deaths and 14 “probable” deaths were also reported Thursday.
At least 502 people were reported hospitalized with the coronavirus in the state as of Thursday, with 121 patients in the ICU.
As of Thursday, 5.7% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.
Over 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in South Carolina, and more than 702,000 people in the state have “completed vaccination” as of Tuesday, the last day new data was reported.
Some in SC could pay $0 for health insurance during COVID
Under the American Rescue Plan passed last month, jobless and low-income Americans may be able to find inexpensive deals on health insurance, and in some cases, pay nothing at all.
Unemployed and low-income people who buy insurance through the marketplace can apply for higher tax credits that lower the cost of health care, The State reported.
This is thanks to subsidies that went into effect Thursday. As part of the American Rescue Plan, the subsidies are intended to make health care more accessible during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more, read the rest of the story here.
New homebuyer program for SC frontline workers
Workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic may now qualify for a homebuyer program offering up to $12,000 in assistance, The Sun News reported.
The SC Housing Finance and Development Authority announced on Thursday its first-time homebuyer program, which is open to all teachers, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, emergency responders, active-duty and military veterans.
Those who qualify could get a low, fixed-rate mortgage and maximum $12,000 in forgivable assistance for a down payment. Requirements to qualify for the new program vary from county to county, however.
To apply for the program and see if you qualify, visit https://schousing.com/Home/Palmetto-Heroes.
Catawba Nation expands COVID shot to other Native Americans
The Catawba Indian Nation is working to get COVID-19 vaccines in the arms of more Native Americans, the Rock Hill Herald reported.
The Nation’s on-site clinic is now offering the vaccine to individuals ages 18 and older who are members of any federally recognized tribe in the U.S. Spouses or roommates of a registered member of the Catawba Nation are also eligible.
The Nation is considered a sovereign government and has been administering the coronavirus vaccine to its members since January.
Members of other Indigenous groups who are interested in getting vaccinated can contact the Catawba Service Unit at 803-372-5681.
Myrtle Beach loosens mask rules
Masks are no longer required in most public spaces in Myrtle Beach, The Sun News reported.
City Manager Fox Simons issued an order Wednesday that encourages people to wear masks, but ultimately leaves the decision up to individual businesses whether to require them.
Masks must still be worn in government buildings.
“Businesses have the option of requiring masks in indoor public spaces if their staff and patrons are concerned about contracting COVID-19 from each other, and we encourage them to exercise that option,” Simons said in a statement.
Legislators push to reopen schools
While most South Carolina public school districts already have resumed in-person classes five days a week, or are moving toward it, some South Carolina legislators are forcing the issue.
The Senate voted unanimously Wednesday to require all schools to return to five-day instruction by April 12.
There are currently 236 schools offering hybrid education models, and one doing remote learning only.
Only three school districts in the state don’t have plans to resume in-person classes in the next two to three weeks: Colleton, Hampton 1 and Hampton 2.
Mask rules extended in Beaufort
Beaufort’s citywide mask mandate will remain in effect through the end of April, The Island Packet reported.
City council members voted Tuesday to extend the mandate for another month, and urged residents to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“We feel an extension of 30 days will give us the opportunity to see what’s happening,” City Manager Bill Prokop said. “At the last count, our positive rate was just below 5%, but we still do not have enough people who have their vaccination.”
The inoculation rate in Beaufort is at 33%.
SC governor sends $6 million to address internet deserts
Gov. Henry McMaster announced Tuesday that he will use $6 million of the state’s federal COVID-19 funds to help address broadband deserts, The State reported.
The funding was awarded to the University of South Carolina, which will team with Benedict College to establish eight Apple computer labs across the the state. Each lab will be available to the public, free of charge, according to the governor’s office.
Internet accessibility issues have been highlighted during the coronavirus pandemic, especially as businesses switched to remote work and schools pivoted to online learning.
“The strategic placement of these labs will bolster South Carolina’s premier workforce training efforts by giving our communities and people access to resources they need to expand participation in our state’s growing economy,” McMaster said in a statement.
This story was originally published April 1, 2021 at 6:53 AM.