Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 25

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

Just over 900 new cases reported

At least 112,088 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,408 have died, according to state officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday reported 909 new cases.

New daily cases have been falling, but state health officials say that is partly because fewer people have wanted to get tested. Officials have also said the virus’ spread is slowing because of face-mask rules and social distancing.

Officials on Tuesday reported 18 additional coronavirus-related deaths, compared to seven the day before.

DHEC: Masks continue to work

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says it has more evidence that mask use is behind the declining COVID-19 case counts in the state.

DHEC has spoken on the effectiveness of masks before, but on Tuesday released new data showing that the weekly number of new cases has dropped 43% when compared to five weeks ago in the 12 counties and 62 municipalities that have passed some form of mask ordinance.

Places without mask rules saw a slight increase in case counts.

“The data continues to reinforce what we’ve already known about proper wearing of masks and their success in helping to stop the spread of this deadly virus,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician, said in a statement.

Could essential workers get a COVID-19 bonus?

A bipartisan pair of South Carolina lawmakers wants to give the 15,000 state residents deemed “essential” workers during the coronavirus outbreak some financial compensation, The State reports.

Senators Darrell Jackson, a Richland Democrat, and Republican Katrina Shealy, of Lexington, plan to push fellow legislators to set aside $15 million in CARES Act funds to provide $1,000 one-time bonuses for essential workers.

The state has more than $600 million remaining in federal coronavirus relief.

“I don’t know how you can even spell relief any better than giving some type of compensation to the people who literally sacrificed their lives to leave their houses every morning for the betterment of this state,” Jackson said.

USC quarantines two sorority houses

Two sorority houses in the University of South Carolina’s Greek Village are under quarantine after students tested positive for the coronavirus.

None of the students have required hospitalization, and all were “either asymptomatic or experiencing very minor COVID-19 symptoms prior to their tests,” USC spokesman Jeff Stensland said in a statement.

University President Robert Caslen said the school moved quickly to contain the spread.

“I remain confident in our ability to mitigate cases through testing, compliant student behaviors and the wearing of face coverings,” Caslen said. “Our campus community can be assured that we will act quickly and decisively if student behaviors are not compliant. The health, safety and well-being of our students is our number one priority, and we will take all appropriate measures to protect and care for the members of our campus community.”

USCB soccer team in quarantine

The University of South Carolina Beaufort women’s soccer team is in quarantine after a team member, and seven other students at the school, tested positive for COVID-19 last week, The Island Packet reported.

“Everybody is doing fine, health-wise,” USCB spokeswoman Carol Weir said.

Between Saturday and Wednesday, 727 students have been tested. The school is only aware of eight infections.

There are 31 students quarantining, including the 26 members of the women’s soccer team.

Clemson to furlough employees, cut pay

To make up for financial losses caused by COVID-19, Clemson University will furlough faculty and staff starting Sept. 1 and issue pay cuts.

“This action is in addition the University’s ongoing hiring freeze and other cost reduction measures that have been taken in recent months to mitigate the financial impact of the pandemic,” the school said in a statement.

Employees making less than $50,000 a year won’t be affected, but all others will be furloughed between two and 12 days, depending on their salary.

University president Jim Clements and athletics employees making $400,000 or more will take voluntary cuts of 10%, The State reported. Athletics employees who make less money will also take cuts of varying amounts.

This story was originally published August 25, 2020 at 7:27 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Aug. 25."