Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 18
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Nearly 700 new cases reported
At least 106,574 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,230 have died, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 691 new cases — continuing the trend of relatively low case counts seen in recent days.
Officials on Tuesday reported 15 new coronavirus-related deaths.
DHEC reported Tuesday 18.6% of tests were positive. In July, the state’s positive test rate hovered around 20%. About 8.7% of tests come back positive nationally.
USC rolling out rapid COVID-19 testing
University of South Carolina students, faculty and staff will have access to fast, easy coronavirus testing starting Wednesday, according to USC officials.
The free SAFE testing, or Saliva Assay Free Expedited testing, only requires saliva and can provide results within 24 hours. SAFE testing will make it “possible for the university to test thousands of students and employees daily for COVID-19,” according to a school statement.
The test was developed by researchers with USC’s own College of Pharmacy, with material assistance from Nephron Pharmaceuticals.
“If we want to stop the spread of this deadly virus, we have to expand COVID-19 screening where breakouts can occur, such as college campuses, and that is why this partnership with Carolina is so important,” Nephron CEO Lou Kennedy said in a release. “Returning to normal begins with reliable, rapid testing. We are proud to welcome the Gamecock family back to campus by working together with the university to make this kind of test available.”
The university was aware of 26 active coronavirus cases as of Friday.
School closes after 3 staffers test positive
Three staff members at a Jasper County elementary school tested positive for COVID-19, forcing the school to close.
School officials said the outbreak was at Ridgeland Elementary School. The school’s staff members were asked to get tested and to quarantine and work from home, The Island Packet reported.
Jasper County students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade attended in-person assessments last week that were mandated by the state.
Columbia to discuss curfew
Columbia city leaders are set to talk about a curfew, just as students return to the University of South Carolina campus.
The city’s coronavirus-related curfew expired two months ago, but the City Council plans to discuss the measure again on Tuesday, The State reported.
A curfew would likely have a big impact on popular nightlife areas such as Five Points.
This story was originally published August 18, 2020 at 7:07 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 18."