COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 26
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 3,200 new COVID-19 cases reported in S.C.
At least 574,990 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 9,148 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 3,259 new COVID-19 cases on Thursday, an increase of 600 cases from the day before. The state also reported 48 coronavirus-related deaths.
At least 2,197 people in the state were reported hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Aug. 26, with 522 patients in the ICU.
As of Thursday, 15.8% 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.
Nearly 47% of South Carolinians eligible to receive the vaccine are fully vaccinated, and over 55% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
Midlands elementary school goes virtual
A surge in coronavirus cases is forcing one Midlands elementary school to go virtual for the next two weeks, according to The State.
Cayce Elementary will shift to online learning, the Lexington 2 school district announced Thursday, citing the number of students and staff members in quarantine. On Wednesday, the school also reported 17 confirmed COVID-19 cases among students and zero among staff.
Students will return to in-person learning on Sept. 9.
More than 2,000 Beaufort Co. students, staff in quarantine
Less than two weeks after the start of the school year, Beaufort County is already seeing an uptick in COVID-19 cases among its youngest students.
The school district has reported 111 cases in the last three days, with at least 11 employees testing positive for the virus, The Island Packet reported, citing data from the Beaufort County School District. More than 2,000 district students and staff members are also in quarantine.
“Many of our schools are seeing much higher cases of COVID-19 among students and faculty than they were at this time last year,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, who serves as the state’s public health director, said Wednesday. “This is concerning.”
The latest numbers are part of a countywide breakdown of COVID-19 data. Read the full story here.
Mask mandates return to S.C. school buses
South Carolina’s Education Department will again require students to wear masks on school buses, The State reported.
“In an effort to mitigate virus transmission and keep our schools open and operating as safely as possible, we will again enforce the CDC’s Order (from Jan. 29) requiring face coverings on school buses,” the department wrote on Twitter.
The department said Thursday the decision was made in response to a surge in new COVID-19 cases driven by the highly transmissible delta variant. Going forward, school buses will be stocked with face masks and provided to students who don’t have one.
The mask rules take effect Monday, Aug. 30.
Read the full story here.
Child of S.C. lawmaker in quarantine after coronavirus exposure
A South Carolina U.S. representative says one of her kids is in isolation after being exposed to COVID-19, according to The State.
“Only took 6 school days before one of the kids had to quarantine,” U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.
Mace, who’s the state’s only female U.S representative, didn’t elaborate on if her child tested positive for the virus. She’s using her experience to encourage others to “get vaxxed” and “wear a mask.”
“It might just save your life,” she wrote.
How South Carolina DMV is adapting to rising COVID cases
The South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles is making a few changes as the state grapples with rising COVID-19 cases.
Starting Monday, residents looking to get their driver’s license will have to book a road test in advance, The State reported, citing a department news release.
“The SCDMV will not accept walk-ins,” officials wrote. “Traditionally, walk-ins have been accepted during the morning hours at SCDMV branch offices, however beginning Monday, only customers with an appointment will be able to take a regular license skills test.”
Masks will also be required for anyone taking a road test and any officials overseeing the exam, if they’re in the same car.
Beaufort green lights Veterans Day parade, other events despite COVID surge
Beaufort’s annual Veterans Day parade and six other large public events will go on as planned, despite a surge in new coronavirus cases, The Island Packet reported.
Members of the Beaufort City Council on Tuesday OK’d the gatherings, which include a 20th anniversary tribute of the 9-11 terrorist attacks, an art walk and annual Halloween celebration scheduled for Oct. 30.
Council members urged residents to keep their guard up against the coronavirus, however, by getting vaccinated.
This story was originally published August 26, 2021 at 7:24 AM.