Coronavirus updates: Here’s what you need to know this week in South Carolina
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control will begin providing weekly updates every Tuesday.
Less than 1,000 new COVID cases reported in SC
At least 1.15 million coronavirus cases have been reported in South Carolina, and at least 17,380 people have died of the virus since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday, March 15, reported 986 new COVID-19 cases and 145 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 510 probable cases and 46 probable deaths.
The omicron variant accounted for 100% of coronavirus strains identified in South Carolina for the week ending March 5, the latest 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 268 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of March 13, including 54 patients being treated in intensive care units and 27 on ventilators. Data shows about 3% of hospitalizations in South Carolina are coronavirus-related.
As of March 16, 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.
Nearly 54% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and about 63% have received at least one dose, health officials say.
Most in U.S. would return to mask-wearing if COVID cases rise, poll finds
Coronavirus cases are on the decline, but many U.S. residents say they don’t mind masking up if infections start to ramp up again, McClatchy News reported, citing a national poll.
An Axios/Ipsos Coronavirus Index poll shows 3 out of 4 Americans would return to mask wearing should COVID-19 cases rebound in their communities. The responses come as states and cities begin to relax COVID-19 protocols, including mask mandates.
About 26% of respondents said they’re “wearing a mask at all times” when not at home, according to the survey, indicating a more than 40% drop from February. The poll also found that 66% percent of respondents were looking forward to a return to “normalcy” before the pandemic.
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This story was originally published March 15, 2022 at 3:26 PM.
