South Carolina health officials reported 24,982 total cases of COVID-19, with 18,954 confirmed, between Aug. 14 and Aug. 20. A total of 179 new deaths, with 152 confirmed, were reported this week. The rate of positive reported tests, as of Aug. 20, was 14.5%. More: Charleston City Paper, The State, The New York Times
As rates of infection continue to soar and schools open for the fall, schools and municipalities across South Carolina are weighing legal fights against the South Carolina legislature, which passed a proviso prohibiting mask mandates in schools. Other schools are already dealing with the fallout of returning to in-person classes without masks. More: SC Public Radio, The State, The Post and Courier
In other headlines:
Cunningham tells McMaster to ‘step aside’ ahead of first TV ad of the governor’s race. Charleston Democrat Joe Cunningham is planning to drop the first ad of South Carolina’s gubernatorial race cycle by taking aim at GOP incumbent Gov. Henry McMaster over his handling of the coronavirus pandemic, particularly when it comes to mask mandates. More: The Post and Courier
Downtown Charleston nearly full with full-service hotels. The number of large, full-service hotels that can be built in the heart of downtown Charleston has narrowed significantly. More: The Post and Courier
Charleston County reopens renovated Johns Island Library. Charleston County is inviting the public to attend a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Johns Island Library. More: WCSC TV
North Charleston racial bias audit needs more public input, officials, community say. Criticism over the number of people interviewed could threaten the credibility of the long-awaited racial bias audit of the North Charleston Police Department. More: The Post and Courier
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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