Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Dec. 31
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Over 6,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC
At least 773,597 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,654 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday, Dec. 31, reported 6,319 new COVID-19 cases and 14 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 2,563 probable cases and five probable deaths.
Almost 31% of COVID-19 strains identified in South Carolina during the week of Dec. 18 were the omicron variant while about 69% were the delta variant, according to the latest DHEC data.
At least 921 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Dec. 31, including 199 patients being treated in intensive care units and 89 on ventilators.
As of Dec. 31, more than 25% 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 52% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and 60% have received at least one dose.
People encouraged to stay home for New Year’s Eve as SC cases rise
South Carolina residents are encouraged to ring in 2022 from their homes as coronavirus metrics rise.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, the director of public health for the state, said thousands of COVID-19 cases could be reported in the days ahead and said the virus could be more widespread than officials know.
That’s because people could test at home and may not report their cases to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, The State reported.
The almost 9,000 probable and confirmed cases added on Dec. 31 mark a new all-time high in South Carolina. The previous record was 7,686 cases in January, according to the newspaper.
COVID-related hospitalizations spike in SC as omicron spreads
South Carolina’s largest hospital systems are seeing an uptick in COVID-19 patients on the heels of the holiday break, and health officials say they’re bracing for another surge after New Year’s.
Prisma Health, the Medical University of South Carolina and the Lexington Medical Center all saw an increase in coronavirus patients this week as the omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread across the Palmetto State, according to The State.
To maintain staffing levels, officials at Prisma Health said the hospital will implement the CDC’s updated quarantine guidance, allowing employees infected with COVID-19 to return to work after five days of isolation.
“With this change, strict masking protocols must again be followed whether you’re vaccinated or not,” Dr. Helmut Albrecht, medical director of the Center of Infectious Diseases Research and Policy for Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina, said at a Dec. 29 news conference.
The hospital will also curtail some of its services to prioritize treating coronavirus patients.
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This story was originally published December 31, 2021 at 8:04 AM.