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

More than 1,700 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC

At least 1.1 million coronavirus cases have been reported in South Carolina, and at least 13,695 people have died of the virus since March 2020, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday, Feb. 9, reported 1,713 new COVID-19 cases and 17 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 1,392 probable cases and 15 probable deaths.

The omicron variant accounted for 99.7% of coronavirus strains identified in South Carolina during the week of Jan. 22, state health data shows. The DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory staff conducts whole-genome sequencing on random samples of the COVID-19 virus to identify new variants.

At least 1,851 people in the state were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Feb. 8, including 377 patients being treated in intensive care units and 206 on ventilators. Data shows nearly 20% of hospitalizations in South Carolina are coronavirus-related.

As of Feb. 8, roughly 30% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.

Just over 53% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and about 62% have received at least one dose, health officials say.

Horry County Schools update quarantine guidance — again

Horry County Schools has again updated its quarantine guidance for students and staff who are exposed to COVID-19, The Sun News reported.

The new rules allow students to stay in the classroom if they’ve been in close contact with someone infected with coronavirus, as long as they meet certain criteria.

Students must wear a face mask for 10 days after initial exposure, show no symptoms of COVID-19, take a COVID test between days 5 and 7 following exposure and, finally, provide district officials with the results before day 8, officials said.

Students must isolate immediately and notify the school if they develop symptoms after exposure.

The new guidance takes effect Wednesday, Feb. 9, Horry County Schools officials said in a news release.

For more information on the updated guidance, read the full story here.

Newly discovered flatworms get name from COVID-19 pandemic

One of two new types of hammerhead flatworms discovered by French scientists during the COVID-19 lockdowns has been dubbed “Humbertium covidum,” McClatchy News reported.

“We decided to name one of the species ‘covidum,’ paying homage to the victims of the pandemic,” Jean-Lou Justine of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris, said in a news release.

Flatworms are small, invasive worms that feed on other worms, slugs and snails that live in the soil, according to The Washington Post. Some grow up to 1 meter in size, but the newly discovered Humbertium covidum can reach up to about 3 centimeters, McClatchy News reported, citing a scientific paper by Justine and his team.

The new species also differs in appearance from other flatworms; it’s black instead of colorful and bears no stripes.

Read the full story here.

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Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Feb. 9

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