Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 13

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

More than 2,000 have died

At least 103,051 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,089 have died, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported an additional 907 cases of the virus — the fourth day in a row fewer than 1,000 new cases were reported. Case counts have been gradually trending down over the last two weeks.

An additional 35 deaths were reported Thursday.

The DHEC on Thursday said 15.7% of tests were positive, compared to 19.6% the day before. About 8.7% of tests come back positive nationally.

At least 1,322 people in South Carolina were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Thursday, with 201 patients on ventilators, according to the DHEC.

McMaster: All cities should consider mask rules

Gov. Henry McMaster said Thursday that all cities and counties in South Carolina “need to consider” adopting mask mandates.

McMaster’s comments come a day after the state Department of Health and Environmental Control shared data showing communities that have implemented mask rules saw an average 15.1% decrease in new coronavirus cases. Those that didn’t adopt the rules saw cases climb 30%.

“They need to consider having some,” McMaster said of mandates. “They need to examine their situation and see what would work in their communities and then pass that and then enforce it, because they have complete authority to do that. It’s called home rule. They have the authority.”

McMaster has resisted calls for a statewide mandate on face coverings.

Schools to receive millions in protective equipment

Gov. Henry McMaster announced the state will receive $10 million for masks, gloves, cleaning supplies and other personal protective equipment for schools.

Supplies will be divided among all 70 South Carolina schools districts that applied, McMaster said.

The funds paid for hundreds of thousands of cloth and KN95 masks, 46,000 pairs of gloves, 237,000 nursing gowns, 12,000 cases of disinfecting wipes, 11,000 gallons of hand sanitizer and more.

“Getting our children back into the classroom is vital for the continued growth of our state,” McMaster said in a release. “Securing this PPE will ensure that each school has the resources needed to succeed in providing a safe environment for both students and faculty.”

SC lawmakers call for increased testing

South Carolina legislators issued recommendations Wednesday that call for increased testing capacity and places more responsibility on the state for giving safety supplies for health providers and ensuring testing goals are adequate.

“It’s one thing for us to set benchmarks and appropriate funds … but at the end of the day, there has to be leadership and one person responsible to come back to us and say, ‘We fell short of the goal and this is why,’” subcommittee chairman Tom Davis, a Beaufort Republican, said.

The lawmakers also recommend that the Department of Health and Environmental Control take on the role of making sure labs statewide meet the new testing goal of 10% of South Carolina residents every month.

This story was originally published August 13, 2020 at 7:28 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 13."