Staff reports | The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that South Carolina’s average of 62 new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 tests over the last seven days was the highest of any state in the nation. As of today, Arkansas reported the second highest with 45 new cases per 100,000 tests, followed by Kentucky with 43.2.
As of Thursday, DHEC officials reported 1,428 new cases of the coronavirus and 84 additional deaths Thursday. With 20,613 tests reported Thursday, 10.3% were positive.
In other pandemic-related news:
Vaccine distribution problematic. South Carolina still has no official plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccines after the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s board made no decision on Feb. 11, The Post and Courier reports. By the time it acts, the General Assembly might offer its own solution.
Shipments also problematic. Vaccine shipments across the state may be delayed due to bad weather and unreliable shipping.
Teachers get thumbs up from Senate. Also this week, the state Senate voted unanimously on a resolution that would make teachers and critical school staff eligible for the coronavirus vaccine and require school districts to offer five-day-a-week classes in person to students. Gov. Henry McMaster opposes the idea.
In-person restaurant inspections to resume. Restaurant inspections statewide have been completed virtually since March 2020 due to the pandemic, but that could change soon, DHEC officials announced Wednesday. The state’s health department said it was “preparing for a phased-in return to in-person inspections,” adding that virtual appointments would continue to be its primary method for performing the inspections while the S.C. case count remains high.
Questions in advance. The agency also is now responding to criticisms that it’s requiring reporters to submit questions before briefings.
In other recent news:
Abortion bill on track. It looks like the so-called “heartbeat bill” that would essentially ban all abortions is on track to pass the S.C. Earlier in the legislative session, it passed the state Senate, which has been its stumbling block in past years.
Searching for a new poet laureate. The South Carolina Arts Commission is accepting applications through March 19 to assist in the search for a new poet laureate.
More: Charleston City Paper
Director ousted. McMaster on Monday removed the head of the State Accident Fund, calling for an investigation into whether she improperly steered a $600,000 government contract to her husband’s company. More. AP News
- Have a comment? Send to: feedback@statehousereport.com.
We Can Do Better, South Carolina!