Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 14
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases pass 153,000
At least 153,729 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and 3,387 have died, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 700 new COVID-19 cases. That’s up from 629 the day before.
Seventeen coronavirus-related deaths were reported Wednesday.
The percentage of positive COVID-19 tests on Tuesday was 11.1%, up from 10.2% the day before. Health officials have said that number should be 5% or lower.
As of Wednesday, 792 patients in South Carolina hospitals had COVID-19, including 204 in intensive care and 91 on ventilators.
$33 million for school protective equipment
State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced Tuesday that the Department of Education will spend $33 million on protective equipment for South Carolina schools.
The funds are part of a coronavirus relief package authorized by the state legislature.
“With the 2020-21 school year well underway, it is critical that teachers and schools have the supplies needed to ensure face-to-face instruction can continue to be carried out as safely as possible,” Spearman said, The State reported.
Here’s what the money will buy:
Nearly 600,000 reusable cloth face masks
Nearly 2.7 million disposable face masks
About 87,000 face shields
About 108,000 boxes of gloves (100 gloves in each)
About 41,000 gallons of hand sanitizer.
Over 100 new K-12 cases for second week
There have been 136 new reported cases of coronavirus among students and staff at South Carolina K-12 schools since Friday, the last time the state Department of Health and Environmental Control shared school data.
More than 100 new cases were reported last week, and 136 marks the highest increase in a reporting period this school year.
Of the 1,277 confirmed cases since classes resumed, students account for 906 and employees make up 371.
This story was originally published October 14, 2020 at 7:06 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 14."