Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Feb. 12
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Statewide COVID data delayed, DHEC says
Data issues delayed the release of statewide coronavirus data on Friday, Feb. 11, South Carolina DHEC officials said. The agency announced it “will not be able to provide the Feb. 11 update” at its usual time because of a data charts issue.
Officials did not say when they expect the issue to be resolved.
“We are working diligently to resolve the matter and will provide this data as soon as possible,” according to DHEC.
SC doctors have authority to treat patients with ‘off-label’ COVID drugs, attorney general says
South Carolina physicians have the legal authority to prescribe Ivermectin and other “off-label” drugs to treat patients infected with the coronavirus, state Attorney General Alan Wilson wrote in a recent legal opinion, The State reported.
Wilson argued that doctors should be given room to make these decisions with their patients’ consent.
“Our doctors, as well as their patients, need to know that doctors have the right to make important medical decisions, as long as they have the informed consent of their patients,” Wilson wrote in a news release Friday, Feb. 11. “In fighting COVID, the doctor should be given the broadest possible leeway.”
Republican state Sen. Shane Martin and Republican state Rep. Bill Taylor asked Wilson’s opinion on whether state law allows for drugs such as Ivermectin, an anti-parasitic used in animals, and hydroxychloroquine to be prescribed in the treatment of COVID-19.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved either drug for treating or preventing the coronavirus.
Read the full story here.
Coastal Carolina offered students incentives to get COVID shot. Did it work?
Coastal Carolina University unveiled an incentive program aimed at encouraging students to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but recent data shows efforts fell a bit short, The Sun News reported.
The university kicked off its “Vax to the Max” program last year, offering vaccinated students a chance at free tuition for a semester and other scholarship awards. As of Feb. 4, just 44% of CCU students have reported themselves as vaccinated, lagging behind student vaccination rates at other South Carolina universities.
For example, Clemson University and the University of South Carolina have reported over 60% of its student bodies as vaccinated against COVID-19, The Sun News reported. That number is far higher at College of Charleston, where the student vaccination rate is 80%.
Read the full story here.
Horry County Schools update quarantine guidance — again
Horry County Schools has again updated its quarantine guidance for students and staff who are exposed to COVID-19, The Sun News reported.
The new rules allow students to stay in the classroom if they’ve been in close contact with someone infected with coronavirus, as long as they meet certain criteria.
Students must wear a face mask for 10 days after initial exposure, show no symptoms of COVID-19, take a COVID test between days 5 and 7 following exposure and, finally, provide district officials with the results before day 8, officials said.
Students must isolate immediately and notify the school if they develop symptoms after exposure.
The new guidance took effect Wednesday, Feb. 9, Horry County Schools officials said in a news release.
For more information on the updated guidance, read the full story here.