Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 6
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases top 122,000
At least 122,944 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 2,748 have died, according to state officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Sunday reported 603 new cases of the virus, a drop from 918 reported the day before. Both totals were lower than the 1,511 new cases reported Friday, the highest daily count since July.
The percent of positive tests was 12.6% Saturday, the latest date available. The World Health Organization and state health officials recommend 5% or lower to bring the transmission of COVID-19 under control.
An additional 10 coronavirus-related deaths were also reported Sunday.
Richland continues to see most new cases
Richland County reported 66 new cases Sunday, the most in the state.
Nearly 15% of the new COVID-19 cases reported Saturday in South Carolina were in Richland County, the DHEC says. It reported 134 new cases Saturday, the most in the state.
The spike comes as students have returned to the University of South Carolina and other universities. USC has reported a total of 1,443 active COVID-19 cases on campus as of Friday — an increase of 426 from Monday. When classes began Aug. 20, the university had 46 active cases.
The school has paused its on-demand COVID-19 saliva testing program until at least Tuesday after a key lab technician got sick. School officials called the program a “game changer,” allowing them to quickly identify and quarantine infected students and to control the spread of the virus on campus.
A doctor at the university’s medical school has warned that USC could run out of quarantine space for students if it continues to report cases at the same rate.
Some students and staff at K-12 schools in the Midlands have also tested positive for the virus since the start of the academic year. Schools in Richland 1 and Richland 2 have reported small outbreaks among faculty or students.
Hilton Head tourism
Tourism in Hilton Head came to a “screeching halt” in the spring as the coronavirus pandemic shuttered restaurants and shops for weeks, The Island Packet reports.
Between March 8 and July 11, the total estimated economic impact loss in Beaufort County was $310 million, according to the Office of Tourism Analysis at College of Charleston.
But businesses started reopening in May and “tourists trickled back.” Hilton Head, with its spaciousness and opportunity for outdoor recreation, has fared better than other parts of the country during the pandemic.
Tourism, however, may be forever changed by the coronavirus as it’s altered visitor behaviors.
Testing down in Beaufort County
Fewer Beaufort County residents are getting tested for the coronavirus, a trend health officials have seen statewide.
The county’s seven-day average of new COVID-19 test results has fallen to early June levels, according to the DHEC.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, a DHEC physician consultant, is urging South Carolina residents to get tested even if they have mild symptoms or think they just have allergies.
Additionally, Beaufort County hospitals are offering free outpatient testing.
Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina hospitals won’t require a doctors’ order for free drive-thru COVID-19 testing. No appointments are needed and testing is available 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.
This story was originally published September 6, 2020 at 10:30 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Sept. 6."
