Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Jan. 10
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Over 10,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC
At least 862,681 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,779 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday, Jan. 10, reported 10,758 new COVID-19 cases and 10 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 2,069 probable cases and two probable deaths, data show.
The omicron variant accounted for 72.2% of coronavirus strains identified in South Carolina during the week that ended Dec. 25. The delta variant accounted for roughly 26%, according to data from the state health department.
At least 1,747 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Jan. 10, including 314 patients being treated in intensive care units and 152 on ventilators. About 19% of hospitalizations in South Carolina are coronavirus-related, data shows.
As of Jan. 10, nearly 30% 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.
About 52% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and just over 61% have received at least one dose.
SC House, Senate balconies closed to the public as omicron spreads
Access to balconies atop the South Carolina House and Senate chambers will remain closed to the public for now due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the omicron coronavirus variant, The State reported.
State House and Senate leaders said the balconies will be limited to lawmakers only.
“As we continue to evaluate rising COVID-19 case numbers across the state, I have decided to keep the balcony closed to visitors and guests to allow members space to social distance,” Senate President Thomas Alexander, R-Oconee, wrote in a memo to colleagues, The State reported.
The gallery doors remained closed last year due the pandemic, forcing spectators to watch the legislative proceedings from home, work or in the lobby between both chambers.
“We will continue to monitor the situation so when appropriate we can welcome visitors and guests back to the chamber,” Alexander said.
Hilton Head residents wait in hours-long line for COVID-19 tests
A surge in demand for COVID-19 tests caused an hours-long traffic jam on Hilton Head Island Jan. 10 as residents flocked to a state-run coronavirus testing site, according to The Island Packet.
Hundreds of cars were stuck waiting in a line that snaked down Squire Pope Road and wrapped around Fire Station 4 where officials were conducting PCR COVID-19 tests, the newspaper reported. One Island Packet reporter said he spent nearly three hours in his car before he was tested.
Spread of the highly infectious omicron coronavirus variant has caused a spike in demand for testing in recent weeks.
“There’s a high demand (for testing), and they’re trying to cycle them through as quickly as possible,” Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue spokesperson Joheida Fister said, according to the newspaper.
Read the full story here.
Horry County restricts public access to government buildings
An uptick in COVID-19 cases has prompted Horry County officials to limit public access to government buildings, The Sun News reported.
More than 60 county employees have tested positive for the virus in recent weeks, the county said in a Jan. 10 news release, and dozens of others are in quarantine awaiting test results.
Residents who feel sick are asked to avoid government buildings and other public facilities, The Sun News reported, citing the release. Those who must visit a county government facility are encouraged to wear a face mask.
This story was originally published January 10, 2022 at 1:43 PM.
