Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 19
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Latest coronavirus cases
Three people tested positive for COVID-19 in Lowcountry hospitals Thursday, bringing the state total to at least 63.
Roper St. Francis Healthcare, Abbeville Area Medical Center and Harmony Senior Services all confirmed they had new cases of coronavirus, according to The State.
Also, Lancaster County reported its third coronavirus case Thursday afternoon, The Herald reported.
One person has died from the virus in South Carolina.
States of emergency
Florence County declared a State of Emergency on Thursday, and is reserving the right to impose a curfew.
No curfew has been put into place yet, and one isn’t expected to be, according to Florence County Emergency Management, but with the recent emergency declaration, the county is able to enact it if deemed necessary in the future.
Additional Funding
Gov. Henry McMaster signed legislation Thursday that will give an additional $45 million in funding to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control — the state’s front line agency in combating COVID-19.
The House voted 121-0 in favor of the bill, just two days after the Senate also unanimously approved it, The State reported.
Drive-thru testing expanded
Drive-through coronavirus testing will be available in Kershaw County starting Monday, officials said.
Kershaw County has been ground zero for coronavirus in South Carolina. The first confirmed case was reported there, and nearly half of all current cases statewide are in Kershaw, according to The State.
Drive-through testing has already been implemented in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.
State Sen. Vincent Sheheen, a Kershaw County Democrat, said making the new testing option available was a “grassroots effort of local leadership and our small, local hospital and our nonprofit coming together to do this ourselves,” The State reported.
Calls to release inmates
Public defenders representing multiple South Carolina counties are pushing for the release of nonviolent inmates who are vulnerable to COVID-19, The State reported.
“We are doing everything possible to seek the release of medically vulnerable inmates,” said 5th Circuit Defender Fielding Pringle, whose office covers Richland and Kershaw County.
People 65 and older, those with underlying medical conditions, or compromised immune systems are considered at high risk for coronavirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The 11th Circuit Public Defender’s Office is also calling for the release of vulnerable, non-violent inmates, according to The State. This office represents Lexington, Newberry, Saluda, and Edgefield counties.
Lowcountry congressman in self-quarantine
Rep. Joe Cunningham said he is in self-quarantine after he came into contact with another member of Congress who tested positive for COVID-19.
“I am not experiencing any symptoms and remain in good health. I will be working from home as Congress continues its response to this public health crisis and will continue our urgent work of serving the people of the Lowcountry. We are all in this together,” Cunningham tweeted.
Reps. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and Ben McAdams (D-Utah) have both tested positive for the coronavirus, The Miami Herald and Politico report.
Restaurant worker tests positive
A restaurant in Camden is warning its customers after an employee tested positive for the coronavirus, The State reports.
Rush’s, a local fast-food chain, said the employee tested positive Tuesday. The employee worked at the Dekalb Street location, the company said, and could have contracted the virus as early as March 2 but did not find find out it was COVID-19 until March 14, according to The State.
Unemployment help
State officials ordered all bars and restaurant dining rooms to close starting Wednesday, leaving many in the service industry without a job. But companies who have to shut down temporarily or lay off workers because of the virus can apply to get those employees short-term unemployment benefits, The State reports.
Bobby Williams, CEO of a local restaurant chain and chair of the S.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association, told The State the application process is not easy for employers.
“It’s a little difficult to navigate,” he said. “There are so any people trying to apply its hard to get in.”
This story was originally published March 19, 2020 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 19."
