Coronavirus omicron updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Jan. 26
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Nearly 3,000 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC after data delay
At least 1 million coronavirus cases have been reported in South Carolina, and at least 13,065 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, Jan. 26, reported 2,962 new COVID-19 cases and 16 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 1,123 probable cases and three probable deaths.
The omicron variant accounted for roughly 95% of coronavirus strains identified in South Carolina during the week ending Jan. 8, data shows.
At least 2,685 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Tuesday, Jan. 25, including 447 patients being treated in intensive care units and 223 on ventilators. Data shows that 28% of hospitalizations in South Carolina are coronavirus-related.
The aforementioned totals reflect COVID-19 data reports for Jan. 20-25 following a data processing issue that impacted the accuracy of statewide health data reported to DHEC, officials said.
COVID-19 percent positivity rates are delayed as of Jan. 26 but will be reported in the coming days, according to state health officials.
Nearly 53% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and about 62% have received at least one dose.
Don’t let at-home COVID tests sit in the mailbox too long, experts warn. Here’s why
Expecting a rapid, at-home COVID-19 test in the mail? Be sure you’re home when it arrives because a “cold” test could cause issues, McClatchy News reported, citing health experts.
Millions of Americans can now order coronavirus self-tests to be delivered to their, thanks to a White House initiative aimed at curbing the latest surge in COVID-19 cases. But with colder temperatures upon us, experts said it’s best not to leave the tests sitting in your mailbox for too long.
“The sensitivity and specificity of the test can drop and vary depending on what temperature it’s in,” Dr. Asha Shajahan, a Michigan physician and medical director of Community Health at Beaumont Health Dearborn, told TV station WXYZ. “The best way to avoid that is to bring the test in as soon as you can.”
A similar study by the National Institutes of Health found that antigen tests exposed to prolonged temperatures below 36 degrees or above 86 degrees increases the risk for false-negative test results.
Read the full story here.
What to know about the new ‘stealth omicron’ coronavirus variant
A sub-variant of the highly infectious omicron coronavirus strain is not considered a “variant of concern” but additional research is necessary, according to the World Health Organization.
It’s unclear if the mutation, formally known as BA.2, changes the transmission rate or severity of the virus, the agency said.
“The BA.2 descendant lineage, which differs from BA.1 in some of the mutations, including in the spike protein, is increasing in many countries,” WHO said in a statement. “Investigations into the characteristics of BA.2, including immune escape properties and virulence, should be prioritized independently (and comparatively) to BA.1.”
So far, cases of BA.2, or “stealth omicron,” have been recorded in Texas, Washington, California and Connecticut.
For more on the sub-variant, read the full story here.
Free N95 face masks are on their way to stores and pharmacies
The U.S. government is distributing 400 million N95 face masks amid a surge in omicron coronavirus cases, and the highly sought after personal protective equipment is headed to store or pharmacy near you.
The nationwide rollout comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that the professional-grade masks offer the highest level of protection against the omicron variant, which is highly infectious.
The masks will be available for free at several stores, including CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Rite Aid and more.
Read the full story here.
Beware of fake COVID-19 test request websites
The Better Business Bureau is urging consumers to be careful about where and how they request rapid, at-home COVID-19 test kits provided by the federal government in response to a spike in coronavirus cases.
Lookalike websites may ask for payment or personal information — but don’t fall for it, the BBB said.
The official COVID-19 test request website will ask only for contact information and a shipping address. Credit card details and other sensitive information, such as your Social Security number, are not required.
For more tips on how to spot a phony website, read the full story here.
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