COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 11
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
190 new cases reported in SC
At least 724,945 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,039 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday, Nov. 10, reported 190 new COVID-19 cases and 19 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 162 probable cases and eight probable deaths, data shows.
The state health department said it’s not updating case counts on Thursday due to the Veterans Day holiday.
At least 507 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Nov. 10, including 150 patients who were being treated in intensive care units and 82 who were on ventilators. More than 5.6% of hospitalizations across the state are COVID-19-related, data shows.
As of Nov. 10, 8% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.
Over 55% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and roughly 63% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
Columbia rolls back citywide mask mandate
A downward trend in new COVID-19 cases has led Columbia city officials to end a citywide mask mandate, according to The State.
Columbia City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday to repeal the face mask requirement. Face coverings are no longer required in schools, businesses or other crowded spaces. However, visitors must still mask up inside city-owned buildings.
Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin recently pointed to a “significant” dip in new coronavirus cases, deaths and the percentage of new positive cases in the region.
“We are watching a dramatic decrease in the rate of cases per 100,000 individuals,” Benjamin said, according to the newspaper.
The new order goes into effect immediately.
SC attorney general threatens to sue over vaccine mandate
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is threatening legal action against the federal government if it green lights President Joe Biden’s plan requiring health care workers to get the COVID-19 vaccine, The State reported.
Biden previously announced plans to require corporations with more than 100 employees to be vaccinated against the virus — or undergo weekly testing as of Jan. 4, 2022. The mandate would include all federal employees, contractors and health care staff employed at facilities that take part in Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Wilson has publicly criticized vaccine requirements and called the president’s plan an overreach.
“President Biden has once again overstepped his legal authority and overreached his power,” he said in a news release. “The President is not above the law. I fully support the rights of our health care heroes in opposition to mandatory COVID vaccines. We intend to file suit in the very near future.”
This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 7:00 AM.
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