COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 1

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.

Hospitalizations drop for two weeks straight

At least 444,991 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 7,592 have died since March, according to state health officials.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday reported 740 new COVID-19 cases, down from 1,197 reported the day before.

Fourteen additional deaths were reported Monday.

At least 725 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina as of Monday — the 14th consecutive day in which the total decreased.

As of Monday, 4.1% of COVID-19 tests were positive, down from 7% on Sunday. Health officials have said the goal is 5% or lower to control the spread of the virus.

More than 956,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine had been administered in South Carolina as of Monday.

SC to receive first J&J vaccine shipment

South Carolina is expected to receive 41,000 doses of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine this week, the state’s first shipment of the vaccine recently approved for emergency use by the CDC.

The deliveries will increase South Carolina’s weekly allotment of vaccines by 40%, The State reported, for a total of 147,000 doses coming in each week.

Unlike Pfizer or Moderna’s vaccine, which recommend two doses for protection against the coronavirus, J&J’s requires only one shot.

Over 1,100 students left Beaufort Co. schools amid COVID. Here’s why

Enrollment in Beaufort County School District fell this year by 1,173 students, and the school board sent a survey out to parents asking why.

Of those who responded, about one-third said their child needed in-person education five days a week. About one-fifth said they were concerned about exposure to the coronavirus. And 75% of respondents said they probably won’t be sending their kids back to school this school year.

In total, enrollment fell 5.2% from the previous school year, the lowest it has been since 2013-2014.

Myrtle Beach extends face mask rules

Myrtle Beach’s COVID-19 emergency declaration was extended Monday through March 31, meaning residents and visitors must continue wearing face masks through the rest of the month — or longer if the declaration is extended again.

Under the ordinance, masks must be worn in businesses and other establishments open to the public. Violators can be fined up to $100.

Masks aren’t required at the beach.

‘Last call’ rule on alcohol sales ends Monday

Starting Monday, South Carolina bars can serve alcohol after 11 p.m. as Gov. Henry McMaster last week lifted a months-long rule on alcohol sales.

The restriction, put in place in July, was intended to help slow the spread of the coronavirus in the state, especially among younger people. South Carolinians between the ages of 21 and 40 make up more than 30% of the state’s reported COVID-19 cases, according to the health department.

McMaster also ended a rule barring events with more than 250 people without special approval from the S.C. Department of Commerce.

The changes follow decreases in the number of new COVID-19 cases and the rate of positive tests and pressure on McMaster from the business community to lift the restrictions.

“With the spread of the virus consistently decreasing across the country and more of the most vulnerable South Carolinians being vaccinated every day, I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary,” McMaster said. “The virus is still among us and we all must continue to make responsible decisions to take care of ourselves and our loved ones, but those decisions are for South Carolinians to make.”

But Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said last week that cases and hospitalizations remain high nationally and expressed concern about the new variants.

“Things are tenuous,” Walensky said. “Now is not the time to relax restrictions.”

Hilton Head hospitals scale back COVID testing

Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina hospitals are scaling back their free coronavirus testing in March due to a drop in demand and what seems to be a positive change in local data.

Drive-thru testing will be offered at the medical centers on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon beginning March 1. The testing will be cut on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The locations for testing will remain the same. Testing will still be free and won’t require a doctor’s note.

The hospitals made the changes because of less demand for testing and a recent decline in the percentage of positive tests around the Lowcountry, they said.

Demand has decreased elsewhere in South Carolina as well. Prisma Health is reducing its testing hours in March, and Prisma Health Richland Hospital has closed its testing site at the Columbia Place Mall and will reduce drive-thru testing to three days a week from five.