COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 10
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 2,200 new COVID cases reported
At least 632,668 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 9,737 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 2,299 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, 101 more than the previous day. The state also confirmed 82 coronavirus-related deaths.
At least 2,591 people in the state were hospitalized with the coronavirus as of Friday, with 586 patients being treated in intensive care units.
As of Friday, 12% 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.
An estimated 49% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and 58% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
Gov. McMaster will fight ‘to gates of hell’ against OSHA vaccine mandate
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has come out in staunch opposition to President Joe Biden’s latest push to get Americans vaccinated against COVID-19, The State reported.
“The American Dream has turned into a nightmare under President Biden and the radical Democrats. They have declared war against capitalism, thumbed their noses at the Constitution, and empowered our enemies abroad,” McMaster wrote on Twitter.
On Thursday, Biden announced new, stringent guidelines requiring all federal employees, government contractors and healthcare workers to get the COVID vaccine. Companies with 100 or more workers are also included in the order.
“Rest assured, we will fight them to the gates of hell to protect the liberty and livelihood of every South Carolinian,” the governor added.
Read the full story here.
Horry County hospitals to require vaccinations for employees
Employees at two Horry County hospitals will have to roll up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine, following stringent guidelines announced by President Joe Biden this week.
A spokesperson for Conway Medical Center said the hospital “will follow all guidelines as set forth by government in regards to vaccine mandates for employees,” The Sun News reported.
HCA Healthcare, the parent company of Grand Strand Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, said it will take a look at the new guidance and “respond accordingly,” according to the newspaper.
In response to rapidly rising COVID cases, President Joe Biden has ordered mandatory vaccines for healthcare workers employed at facilities that receive federal Medicare and Medicaid. Federal and contract employees are also included in the order.
Lancaster loses second special education staffer to coronavirus
The Lancaster County school community is mourning the loss of a second special education staffer to die of COVID-19 complications.
Eleanor Mends had been teaching at South Middle School for the last three years, the Rock Hill Herald reported, citing Lancaster County School District spokeswoman Michelle Craig. Her death comes less than a week after another special education staffer at the school also died from COVID.
District officials said Mends and the other employee, who hasn’t been named, didn’t work in the same classroom.
“Currently, the only connection between the two was that they were both employees of South Middle School,” Craig told the newspaper.
SC family urges vaccinations after losing dad to COVID-19
A South Carolina family is pushing the importance of getting vaccinated after their patriarch, 51-year-old Brian Weaver, died after a battle with COVID-19.
“One minute we were happy and going on a vacation to Vegas, the next minute my husband was dying in a hospital bed,” Weaver‘s wife, Alison Gurreri-Weaver, told The Sun News.
In his final moments, Gurreri-Weaver said her husband, unable to talk, scribbled a note urging her to get their children vaccinated.
Read the full story here.
Jasper Co. students, staff to be randomly tested for COVID-19
Upon returning to in-person learning, students and staff in one Lowcountry school district will be subject to random coronavirus testing, The Island Packet reported.
Jasper County students are set to return to class Monday after a surge in COVID-19 cases prompted a two-week shift to virtual learning. The school district is teaming with mobile medical services firm DocGo to provide COVID testing to students and staff, the newspaper reported.
Those who forgo a face mask will be tested on a weekly basis, regardless of vaccination status. Students must also get a parent’s permission before being subjected to regular testing..
Columbia, West Columbia pass citywide mask mandates
Soaring COVID-19 cases have prompted emergency face mask ordinances in two Midlands cities, according to The State.
Officials in Columbia and West Columbia passed citywide mask mandates Wednesday in response to a rise in cases driven by the delta variant, which has jammed up local hospitals and urgent care facilities.
In an 8-1 vote, West Columbia council members green lit the new measure requiring residents to wear a mask in public spaces or face a fine.
“This is 100% because of the current situation in our emergency rooms, at Lexington Medical but also across the river” at Prisma Health and MUSC’s Columbia hospitals, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles explained.
The Columbia City Council passed a similar ordinance requiring residents to mask up inside commercial businesses, indoor venues and “in situations where distances between people change frequently,” the State reported.
This story was originally published September 10, 2021 at 7:09 AM.