What you need to know this week: Since last week, the number of confirmed and probable cases has spiked, more than doubling from last week’s total of 2,325 confirmed cases according the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
With vaccines widely available throughout the state, state officials are urging residents to begin and complete their vaccinations to keep numbers down and prevent further spread of the virus as most cases are being reported in unvaccinated individuals.
Despite the Centers for Disease Control’s new guidelines updated on July 27 recommending all individuals — including fully vaccinated people — wear masks indoors, Gov. Henry McMaster has said masks will not be required in schools for the coming year.
Mayor Tecklenburg encouraged South Carolinians to get vaccinated during a conversation with MUSC Health CEO Dr. Patrick Cawley at the West Ashley MUSC Medical Pavilion Thursday. Although he stated that another citywide mask mandate would likely not be imposed, he advocated for all individuals to begin wearing masks indoors once again.
Vaccines are available at many locations throughout the Palmetto State. You can find vaccination locations on DHEC’s website.
Latest COVID-19 data
South Carolina health officials reported 4,954 total cases of the coronavirus between Saturday, July 24 and Friday, July 30. Eighteen new deaths were reported this week. The percent positive, as of July 31, was 12.5%.
Percentage of S.C. residents with at least 1 vaccine.: 51.0%
Percentage of S.C. residents who have completed vaccination: 44.5%
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