South Carolina health officials reported 1,883 cases on Thursday, the first time the state saw fewer than 2,000 cases confirmed in a single day since Dec. 3. Twelve deaths were also recorded.
While cases were lower, the state still reported 21.3% positive cases among 8,828 tests on Thursday.
MUSC’s Epidemiology Project said on Wednesday that Charleston-area cases increased by 65% over the past week, raising the possibility of a “double surge” as Christmas approaches.
“If this plays out like we think it will, the numbers will keep going up for a period of time. The Christmas season through the New Year goes on for a relatively long period of time. It enhances the number of gatherings and the amount of time people are spending together,” said Michael Sweat, the MUSC project director.
The specter of another surge comes as federal regulators OK the first vaccine for distribution in the U.S., but widespread availability remains months away.
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