COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 9
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 1,300 new cases reported Friday
At least 701,555 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 11,205 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 1,334 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, an increase of 129 cases from the day before. The state also confirmed 64 new coronavirus-related deaths.
There were 451 new probable COVID-19 cases and 10 probable deaths, data show.
At least 1,447 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Friday, including 412 patients who are being treated in intensive care units and 315 who are on ventilators. Just over 15% of hospitalized people in the state are COVID-19 patients, data show.
As of Friday, 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.
Approximately 53% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and 61% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
Ambulance calls in Rock Hill may lead to lengthy ER wait times
Ambulance service in the Rock Hill region remains speedy. However, patients could be stuck waiting up to an hour before they receive the hospital care they need, public health officials warn.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the S.C. Hospital Association and the S.C. Emergency Medical Services Association said they’re working to address patient response issues as the COVID-19 delta variant continues jamming up hospitals and urgent care facilities across the region, The Rock Hill Herald reported.
Most patients will face delays, officials said, waiting in the ambulance for 45 minutes to an hour — or longer. Patients with less serious cases will be directed to a waiting room before being admitted to a hospital room.
“There is no one-size-fits-all response to this dynamically complex issue,” the organizations said in a joint statement. “We are exploring options that include patient education on appropriate (emergency medical services) and (emergency department) utilization, alternate transport options, as well as treatment in place, but these situations are not an immediate fix.”
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