Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 12
We’re keeping track of the latest coronavirus news in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Two new cases
Two new possible cases of COVID-19 were reported Thursday afternoon, one from Kershaw County and the other in Lancaster County, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
There are a total of 12 presumptive cases, six of which have been confirmed by the CDC.
The Lancaster patient is the county’s second reported case, and is a family member or relative of the previous case, according to The State.
A Camden man, whose age was not shared, also tested positive. Most of South Carolina’s coronavirus cases have come from Camden, in Kershaw County.
“Health officials said they do not yet know whether the man has had any contact with other known coronavirus patients,” The State reported.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham was possibly exposed to the coronavirus at a Mar-a-Lago event with a Brazilian official who tested positive for coronavirus, officials said.
He will self-quarantine out of an “abundance of caution” while waiting on test results, McClatchy News reported.
Latest cases
A tenth case of coronavirus was reported Wednesday by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The Lancaster County woman, who tested presumptive positive, has been hospitalized and is under isolation, according to the department.
How she contracted the virus is under investigation, The State reported.
“A contact investigation is underway, and at this time there is no known travel outside the state or known contact with another case,” the health agency said in a news release announcing the newest case. “DHEC is working with the healthcare facility and taking routine measures to prevent possible spread.”
Of the ten cases in South Carolina, two have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
College cancellations
The University of South Carolina canceled classes until March 22, and will be shifting to online classes until April 3, the school announced Wednesday.
“As we continue to monitor the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), our first priority remains the health, safety and security of our students, faculty, staff and community,” the university said in a statement.
USC’s Aiken campus is adjusting its schedule as well, and won’t be holding classes through March 20.
Claflin University said it will extend spring break by a week, canceling courses through March 22.
Coastal Carolina University has decided to resume classes on March 23 after extending its spring break through March 20.
Furman University is following suit, extending spring break and resuming academics March 23. However, the first week back will be online courses.
Charleston Southern University is also making a temporary switch to online-only classes for the week of March 16.
Clemson University had a coronavirus scare this week, but the possible case ultimately tested negative. Still, the university announced Thursday it’s moving to online-only classes through the end of March.
Empty stadiums
After announcing it would turn fans away from postseason games earlier this week, the SEC opted to cancel the remainder of its postseason basketball tournament on Thursday.
“We understand that this decision will be disappointing to our student-athletes and coaches who have been preparing all season to compete in this event as well as viewers at home,” SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. “While this was not an easy decision, the health and well-being of our entire SEC community is of paramount importance.”
The decision mirrors similar cancellations by the Big 12, Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten Conference, McClatchy News reported.
Later in the day, the NCAA canceled the March Madness basketball tournaments and all other spring sporting events.
This story was originally published March 12, 2020 at 10:45 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 12."