COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 6
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
18 additional COVID deaths reported in SC
At least 739,277 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,383 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday, Dec. 6, reported 567 new COVID-19 cases and 18 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 232 probable cases and three additional probable deaths, data shows.
At least 425 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Dec. 5, including 127 patients being treated in intensive care units and 66 on ventilators. Nearly 5% of hospitalizations across the state are coronavirus-related, data shows.
As of Dec. 6, 4.8% 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.
Roughly 50% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and 58% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
SC hospital has break from COVID as omicron variant looms
A South Carolina hospital is getting a break from COVID-19 as the omicron variant presents a “big wild card,” a doctor says.
As of Dec. 2, Beaufort Memorial Hospital had five inpatients with coronavirus, and none of them were on ventilators or in intensive care, The Island Packet reported.
“We’re still at the bottom part of the last peak,” said Dr. Kurt Gambla. “Historically, we’re about as low as we’ve been since the very beginning of this thing.”
Gambla said hospital workers are “just catching their breath right now” after it saw several cases during the 2020 holiday season. The Lowcountry also saw a surge in cases of the delta variant this summer.
