COVID cases are spiking in SC now. Will there be a shutdown and how to get free tests these days?
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COVID-19 is again rearing its ugly head in South Carolina.
After remaining relatively quiet this year, hospitalizations from the infamous virus have risen in recent weeks in South Carolina and across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest data shows there were 17,418 COVID-19 hospital admissions in the U.S. through the week ending in Aug. 26, a 15.7% increase from a week earlier.
SC COVID hospitalizations
According to CDC data, South Carolina had a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations throughout August.
Week of Aug. 5: 161
Week of Aug. 12: 246
Week of Aug. 19: 246
Week of Aug. 26: 316
On the county level, nearly every county in the state had an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations the week of Aug. 26 compared to the week earlier. For instance, Richland County hospitalizations rose 21.6% week over week. Charleston County had a 54.4% jump in hospitalizations week over week. To view a map that lists COVID hospitalizations for every county, click here.
What about a SC shutdown?
While COVID is on the rise in South Carolina, there has been no calls for shutdowns or masking mandates. Gov. Henry McMaster spoke on the matter on Thursday.
“As talks of mask mandates and closures kick up across the country, I can assure the people of South Carolina we will not have mask mandates, we will not close schools, and we will not lock down,” McMaster said in a Thursday social media post.
As talks of mask mandates and closures kick up across the country, I can assure the people of South Carolina we will not have mask mandates, we will not close schools, and we will not lock down. pic.twitter.com/GlKgy8AhMi
— Gov. Henry McMaster (@henrymcmaster) September 7, 2023
COVID testing
For those wanting a free COVID test in South Carolina, there should be plenty still available. The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced in May it had refreshed its stock of iHealth COVID-19 antigen rapid tests. The new kits feature expiration dates good through the start of 2024 and are available for free at most DHEC health clinics.
Appointments are unnecessary. Just walk in and ask someone at the front desk for tests.
To see which locations have tests near you, click here.
“At-home COVID-19 test kits are one of the best ways to detect COVID-19 infection early,” DHEC states. “Test results using the iHealth kit are available within 15 minutes.”
