COVID-19 update: The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 1,842 new coronavirus cases Thursday, bringing the total to 63,880. Thursday’s 69 confirmed deaths was the highest single day total since the start of the pandemic.
The percent of positive COVID-19 tests is 21.3 percent (as of July 15).
As of 3 p.m. July 16, via S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:
Positive tests in S.C.: 63,880 (+1,842 new positive cases since July 15)
Positive tests in Charleston County (total): 8,691 (+230)
Negative tests in S.C.: 505,144
Deaths in S.C. from COVID-19: 1,053 (+69)
Top stories:
Prisons Increase Testing: The South Carolina Department of Corrections will increase testing in an attempt to stop the spread in some of the state’s prisons hit hardest by the coronavirus. MacDougall Correctional Institution, located in Ridgeville, will test all inmates after three died from COVID-19 in just over one week. Tyger River Correctional Institution near Greenville will also test all inmates; to date, 224 of their approximately 900 inmates have tested positive for the coronavirus. Source: The State.
IOP Parking Restrictions: Isle of Palms and Folly Beach leaders have voted to restrict parking to limit the number of people crowding onto public beaches. On Isle of Palms, parking in city lots is limited to partial capacity and on-street parking is prohibited in many areas. Parking is prohibited along public rights of way on Folly except for residents and business owners. The ordinances goes into effect on Friday. Source: ABC News 4, Live 5 News
What we’re reading:
Politico: “Pelosi and McConnell hurtling toward coronavirus relief showdown”
ESPN: “Texans player arrested at Louisville protest”
The New York Times: “A Brazen Online Attack Targets V.I.P. Twitter Users in a Bitcoin Scam”
The rest from City Paper:
— Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen departs Market Street, reopens in South Windermere Center
— We Are Family hosting virtual book talk with Alok Vaid-Menon this Friday
— Charleston’s major mass-transit project could change how SC commutes
— Charleston leaders should act quickly to curb this virus
— Mantra Wine Distributors hopes to diversify Charleston’s wine lists
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