Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 5
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
About 300 new COVID cases reported in SC
At least 1.14 million coronavirus cases have been reported in South Carolina, and at least 14,420 people have died of the virus since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday, March 4, reported 308 new COVID-19 cases and three coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 103 probable cases and no probable deaths.
The omicron variant accounted for 100% of coronavirus strains identified in South Carolina for the week ending Feb. 20, state health data shows. The DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory conducts sequencing on randomly chosen samples as part of nationwide efforts to identify new coronavirus strains, according to the agency’s website.
At least 482 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 3, including 106 patients being treated in intensive care units and 48 on ventilators. Data shows about 5% of hospitalizations in South Carolina are coronavirus-related.
As of March 4, nearly 4% 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 53% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and just over 62% have received at least one dose, health officials say.
What’s ‘test to treat’? White House unveils free COVID testing, treatment combo
The White House’s latest initiative aims to make COVID-19 testing and treatment even more accessible, McClatchy News reported.
The plan, which President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address on March 1, calls on local clinics and pharmacies to provide anti-viral pills “on the spot” to patients who test positive for COVID-19, free of charge.
The anti-viral treatment Paxlovid is manufactured by Pfizer and has been shown to reduce the risk of coronavirus-related hospitalization and death by 89%, according to the White House.
“I have ordered more pills than anyone in the world has,” Biden said. “Pfizer is working overtime to get us a million pills this month and more than double that next month.”
Read the full story here.
How to order another round of free COVID tests from the government
Americans will soon be able to order another round of at-home coronavirus tests, free of charge.
Those who have already ordered the rapid antigen test kits, made available by the federal government in January, can go online and request additional tests starting next week, President Joe Biden announced during his State of the Union address on March 1.
“We’ve made hundreds of millions of tests available and you can order them for free to your doorstep,” Biden said. “If you already ordered free tests, tonight, I’m announcing you can order another group of tests.”
The tests can be ordered online at covidtests.gov or by phone at 800-232-0233, McClatchy News reported. The kits will arrive in the mail via the U.S. Postal Service.
Read the full story here.
Beaufort County schools end test-to-stay program
The Beaufort County School District is ending its test-to-stay and quarantine programs for students, effective immediately, The Island Packet reported, citing district officials.
All schools in the district qualified to ditch the COVID-19 protocols on March 1, under updated guidance from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, according to the outlet. The change was based on data from each school regarding quarantines and isolations over a two-week span.
The updated guidance allows students who are exposed to COVID-19 and don’t have symptoms to remain in class without being tested at home. Test-at-home and quarantine practices will be required again, however, if a school reaches 10% or more students and staff with COVID-19 over a two-week period.
Read the full story for more information on the updated guidance.