What you need to know: A new variant of COVID-19 is on the rise in the U.S. with 20% of cases attributed to the variant, called “delta,” according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) warns residents that the new variant could pose a threat to those who have not yet been vaccinated. Four cases of the variant have been detected in S.C. thus far, but unfortunately the state does not regularly test for mutations, so the actual number of cases may be significantly higher. Source: The Post and Courier, Greenville News
Latest COVID-19 data
South Carolina health officials reported 227 total cases of the coronavirus on Thursday (140 confirmed, 87 probable), with one confirmed deaths.
With 6,149 tests reported Thursday, 2.8% were positive.
Confirmed cases in S.C.: 492,833 (+68)
Total positive cases in Charleston County: 43,901 (+4)
Total positive cases in Berkeley County: 17,970 (+3)
Total positive cases in Dorchester County: 18,337 (+8)
Deaths in S.C. from COVID-19: 8,627 (+1)