COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 8
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Cases surpass 469,000
At least 469,467 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 8,138 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Thursday reported 495 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, up from 324 reported the day before.
Twenty coronavirus-related deaths were also reported Thursday.
At least 500 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Thursday, with 131 of them in intensive care units.
As of Thursday, 5.6% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.
More than 2.2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in South Carolina, and nearly 843,000 people in the state have “completed vaccination” as of Monday, when the latest data was reported.
SC lawmakers green light rent relief bill
South Carolina residents who have fallen behind on rent could soon get help from a $271 million relief bill passed by state lawmakers on Wednesday.
Funds for rent assistance will be disbursed from a COVID-19 stimulus package approved by Congress last year. Under the bill, eligible residents can receive up to a year’s worth of back rent and utility payments.
“You’ve got a lot of folks who have struggled,” said state Rep. Leon Stavrinakis, a Charleston Democrat. “Now we can get this money out there and people can start applying.”
Read the full story here.
Walk-in vaccination site opens in Bluffton
Bluffton’s Buckwalter Recreation Center is now a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site, the Island Packet reported.
Hilton Head Regional Healthcare is using the facility at 905 Buckwalter Parkway, and will offer walk-in availability from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Those who would prefer to schedule a vaccination appointment can still do so online by clicking here.
Chester County to host three mass vaccination events
Chester County residents will soon be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine at one of three mass vaccination sites, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Health will host two drive-up events and one-walk up event this week. The first drive-up event will take place at a local church Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.
An appointment is required.
To learn more about the other vaccination events, read the full story here.
Midlands school district ditches Plexiglass shields
Students in Lexington’s School District 1 will no longer have to look at their teacher and classmates through Plexiglass dividers, The State reported.
Superintendent Greg Little said the district would do away with the virus-blocking barriers beginning April 19. The clear shields were designed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Because of the current low numbers of positive cases throughout our district, we believe there is benefit to removing the plexiglass,” Little said in an email to parents this week.
Other safety precautions will remain in place including mask wearing and social distancing.
