Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 22
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 750 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC
At least 751,158 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,560 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday, Dec. 22, reported 781 new COVID-19 cases and 15 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 542 probable cases and one probable death.
During the week of Dec. 5, 4.3% of COVID-19 strains identified in the state were the omicron variant while nearly 96% were the delta variant, according to the latest DHEC data reported as of Dec. 16.
At least 559 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Dec. 22, including 169 patients being treated in intensive care units and 77 on ventilators. Roughly 6% of hospitalizations across the state are coronavirus-related, data shows.
As of Dec. 22, 9.2% 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 51% percent of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and nearly 60% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
Which masks best protect against omicron coronavirus variant? What experts say
The omicron variant of the coronavirus appears to be more contagious than previous strains, prompting questions about which face masks are best at preventing its spread.
In updated guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that masks offer protection against all strains of the COVID-19 virus, McClatchy News reported. However, people may want to opt for higher-quality face coverings as the omicron variant continues to spread worldwide.
Dr. Leana Wen, a public health professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University, told CNN that “cloth masks are little more than facial decorations.”
“There’s no place for them in light of omicron,” Wen said. “And so wear a high-quality mask — at least a three-ply surgical mask.”
Read the full story here.
Biden grants access to free COVID-19 test kits. Is it enough to slow omicron? Experts weigh in
In an address to the nation on Dec. 21, President Joe Biden announced that all Americans will have access to free, at-home COVID-19 testing kits as the nation sees a surge in the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
However, some public health experts say efforts to get a handle on the new strain are too late, McClatchy News reported.
Health experts had been urging the Biden administration to make more testing available, citing it as vital tool in slowing spread of the highly contagious variant, according to McClatchy News.
“It’s totally inadequate with respect to the number and timing,” said Dr. Eric Topol, executive vice president and a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research. “But at least it’s a first step in the right direction of distributing free rapid home antigen tests, which are pivotal for preventing spread.”
Americans will be able to order the free testing kits in January when the federal website launches.
Read the full story here.
USC keeps mask requirement as omicron surges
Students at the University of South Carolina will still be required to wear face masks indoors as the omicron variant of the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, according to The State.
The university is keeping several policies it implemented last year to help slow the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory monthly coronavirus testing and face mask requirements for students, faculty and staff, the newspaper reported.
Masks are mandatory in classrooms, buses, medical centers and other buildings on campus. Face coverings aren’t required in dormitories or while eating.
By Jan. 10, those coming to campus for the spring 2022 semester must also show either a COVID-19 vaccination record, proof of a COVID-19 infection in the last 90 days or a negative COVID-19 result from a test taken between Jan. 3 and Jan. 10, The State reported, citing USC’s website.
For more information, read the full story here.
Optimism about COVID-19 takes a dive in US, poll finds
Americans are feeling less optimistic about the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a new poll.
Findings of a Gallup poll released this week show 30% of Americans feel the coronavirus situation is improving — 20 point drop from 51% in a poll conducted in mid-October, McClatchy News reported.
Personal concerns about the virus and social distancing behaviors remained largely unchanged, however.
Thirty-eight percent of respondents said they are very or somewhat worried about contracting COVID-19, the poll showed, and 46% said they have avoided large crowds in the past week because of it.
“These social distancing behaviors have largely been stable since May, except for September, when slightly more eschewed large crowds and traveling as perceptions of the coronavirus situation worsened,” Gallup said.
The latest poll was conducted Nov. 29-Dec. 5 and surveyed 4,034 U.S. adults, according to McClatchy News.
This story was originally published December 22, 2021 at 7:16 AM.