Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 24

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.

Cases top 26,000

At least 27,842 people in South Carolina have tested positive for the coronavirus and 683 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported an additional 1,291 cases of the virus.

Greenville County had the highest number of new cases with 241. DHEC reported 175 new cases in Charleston County and 183 in Horry County.

A total of 832 hospital beds were filled Wednesday with people who have coronavirus or are suspected of having it, DHEC said. That’s up from 731 on Monday.

Health officials also reported an additional 10 deaths Wednesday.

More than 9.4 million cases of COVID-19 and 482,000 deaths have been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, more than 2.3 million cases and 121,000 deaths have been reported.

AG: Yes, cities can require you to wear a mask

Cities are allowed to pass ordinances requiring people to wear masks in public spaces, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said Wednesday.

Wilson’s statement comes in response to questions raised after the cities of Columbia and Greenville passed mask ordinances in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“Many people are upset about these ordinances and I can understand their frustration,” Wilson said. “However, just because you believe something is bad government does not make it unconstitutional government. Sometimes the remedy for a bad government action is not a legal remedy but a political remedy at the ballot box.”

State laws generally supersede those of local governments and municipalities, according to Wilson, but in the absence of any statewide rule regarding masks, cities can make their own rules and require that they be worn

“Our state Constitution and state laws have given cities the authority to pass these types of ordinances under the doctrine of Home Rule,” Wilson said in a statement. “The basic premise behind the Home Rule doctrine is to empower local governments (ie: towns, cities and counties) to effectively govern themselves without interference from state government.”

Top health official talks statewide mask policy

Stopping short of saying South Carolina should adopt a statewide face mask policy, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell highlighted how effective the strategy would likely be in slowing the spread of coronavirus, The State reported.

“As we continue to witness the rise in cases, if we work at strengthening mask requirements one municipality at a time, I do feel like we won’t get to where we need to be quickly enough,” Bell said during a conference call with reporters Wednesday.

“On a statewide basis, it would certainly be much more effective if we could do something as soon as possible ... to get the adoption widespread across the state,” Bell said.

The city of Columbia is mandating masks be worn in public spaces, and Greenville requires people don them in grocery stores and pharmacies.

SC travelers will have to quarantine in 3 states

People from South Carolina who travel to New Jersey, New York and Connecticut with have to quarantine for 14 days, officials said Wednesday.

Governors from New Jersey and Connecticut joined New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to make the announcement, The Sun News reports. Cuomo said visitors from states with high infection rates will have to quarantine. The states include: South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Washington, Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Utah and Texas.

Congressional candidate tests positive

The Republican congressional candidate challenging Rep. Joe Cunningham tested positive for the coronavirus, according to The State.

Nancy Mace said Tuesday night that she had the virus. Cunningham, a Charleston Democrat, also tested positive for the coronavirus. He announced his diagnosis in March and had only mild symptoms, The State reports.

Airline drops flights to Myrtle Beach

United Airlines will stop flying to Myrtle Beach, at least for now. The airline said it was cutting these flights because of the drop in air travel during the coronavirus pandemic, The Sun News reports.

Columbia requires face masks

The Columbia City Council voted 6-1 in favor of a measure requiring people to wear face masks while in public or within six feet of anyone else to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

Anyone caught violating the new ordinance, which goes into effect at 6 a.m. Friday, could be issued a $25 fine. The new rule is set to expire after 60 days.

“Masks work,” Mayor Steve Benjamin said. “This is not a perfect resolution but a step of the right direction.”

Decal program IDs restaurants following safety rules

Gov. Henry McMaster announced a new program Tuesday to help residents identify restaurants that are taking coronavirus safety precautions seriously, The State reported.

The Palmetto Priority initiative gives restaurants the opportunity to stand out with a state-issued decal, which can be earned by adhering to cleaning and safety guidelines, taking online safety courses and undergoing a food inspection by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Restaurants that complete those tasks will be given an 8-inch decal to display.

“If you go into a restaurant and it doesn’t have this decal, that doesn’t have this seal, go somewhere else,” McMaster said. “That’s what I would do. That’s what I’m going to do. That’s what I encourage everyone to do.”

This story was originally published June 24, 2020 at 7:23 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on June 24."