COVID-19 updates: South Carolina health officials reported 539 new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, with 11 additional confirmed deaths.

With 4,762 tests collected, the percent-positive rate was 11.3%.

As of 5:38 p.m. Oct. 19, via S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control:
Confirmed cases in S.C.:  157,970 (+539)
Positive tests in Charleston County (total): 16,266 (+18)
Negative tests in S.C.: 1,540,097
Deaths in S.C. from COVID-19: 3,439 (+11)

Top Stories

Former President Barack Obama appeared in a video message to encourage S.C. voters to cast ballots for Democratic candidate Jaime Harrison against U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham. “Your voices and your votes in 2008 helped propel me to the nomination and ultimately the presidency. Now, you have the power to make history again,” he said in a recorded message. Source: @HarrisonJaime

In Charleston County, four locations for early in-person voting are now open and record turnout is expected to continue. Source: P&C

In addition to the North Charleston Coliseum, which opened two weeks ago, three more voting locations are now open at the Main Library downtown and Seacoast Church campuses in West Ashley and Mount Pleasant. We’ve got all the info you need to cast an early or absentee-by-mail vote online right now.

The State headline: ‘Expect to be prosecuted,’ SC solicitor warns those who seek to intimidate voters

With plans for a normal South Carolina State Fair dashed because of COVID-19, the fair is planning a drive-thru version. Source: P&C Columbia

What we’re reading:

Two words you never want in a headline about you: “Zoom incident.”

Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” is back in the Billboard 200 Top 10 after 42 years, thanks to TikTok. Source: Billboard

Vox: The US is plagued by long voting lines. Here’s how other countries do it better.

From the City Paper:

Cuisine: Outside or in ‘the Foxhole,’ Frannie and the Fox aims to cater to hotel guests and locals

Arts: Flowertown Players reopening with 6 short plays

Guest column: Prep key to Lowcountry weathering more frequent and severe storms

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