Coronavirus updates for Feb. 1: Here’s what to know in South Carolina this week
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back each week for updates.
SC added more than 5,600 COVID cases last week
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday, Jan. 31, reported 5,627 COVID-19 cases for the week ending Jan. 28 and 48 coronavirus-related deaths for the week ending Jan. 21.
The counts include probable and confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths.
An estimated 1.8 million coronavirus cases have been reported in the Palmetto State, and just over 19,200 people have died as a result of the virus since March 2020, according to state health officials. Data shows COVID-19 cases fell about 16% compared with this time last week.
As of Jan. 31, 401 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina (with 61 hospitals reporting), including 38 patients being treated in intensive care units, according to the latest totals.
The omicron subvariant BA.5 accounted for about 91% of all COVID-19 strains identified in South Carolina for the week ending Dec. 31, data shows. The DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory conducts sequencing on randomly chosen samples as part of nationwide efforts to find out about new strains of the virus, the agency’s website reads.
The state’s latest vaccination numbers show nearly 54% of eligible South Carolina residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 62% have received at least one dose.
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