The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced another 1,291 cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina, and 10 more deaths. Charleston County has another 175 cases.

The percent-positive rate of those tested was 15.8 percent.

As of Wednesday morning, 7,721 hospital beds were in use, which is a 73.6% statewide hospital bed utilization rate.
As of 2:43 p.m. June 24, via S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:

Positive tests in S.C.: 27,842 (+1,291 new positive cases since June 23)
Positive tests in Charleston County (total): 2,426 (+175)
Negative tests in S.C.: 324,213
Deaths in S.C. from COVID-19: 683 (+10)

Top Stories:

Calhoun statue is (almost) down: Crews began the removal of the John C. Calhoun statue just after midnight, but they were forced to work through the night after hydraulics broke on the equipment needed to remove the statue. Plaques on the statue were taken down while they waited for the equipment to be repaired. WIS News 10

Mask mandate in Columbia: Columbia City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday requiring citizens to wear masks in commercial facilities within city limits. Mayor Tecklenburg confirmed that a mask ordinance would be considered at the emergency Charleston City Council meeting on Thursday. The State

What We’re Reading:

The Washington Post: “Over 700 cash-strapped cities halt plans to repair roads, water systems or make other key investments.”

The New York Times: “E.U. May Bar American Travelers as It Reopens Borders, Citing Failures on Virus”

The Wall Street Journal: “Amazon to Launch $2 Billion Venture Capital Fund to Invest in Clean Energy.”

The rest from the City Paper:

– Calhoun statue is coming down in Charleston
– Charleston reforms draw scrutiny as department hopes to make policing more equitable
– Void Baking Co. rises out of quarantine with fresh bread and baked treats
– Redux artists create work in response to the country’s current turmoil  

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