Sept. 17 COVID-19 update: 3,610 new cases, 60 deaths; 11.9% positive

SC attorney general, 23 others vow legal action against Biden’s vaccine mandate

Several state lawyers, including S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, are taking steps toward legal action against President Joe Biden’s new vaccine mandate as the state passes 10,000 confirmed deaths.

Biden’s mandate requires vaccination or weekly testing for anyone working for a company with more than 100 employees. Official rules have not yet been released, but have been under the charge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Wilson said, while he is vaccinated and encourages the shot, the president’s order is illegal.

Attorney General Alan Wilson joined 23 other attorneys general in sending a letter to President Biden warning that litigation will follow the implementation of the proposed mandate on private employees to get vaccinated, test weekly, or quit.

Letter:https://t.co/gUcU8DBqrT pic.twitter.com/1vF6rtKTs3
— South Carolina Attorney General's Office (@SCAttyGenOffice) September 16, 2021

Latest COVID-19 data

South Carolina health officials reported 4,777 total cases of COVID-19 Sept. 17, with 3,610 confirmed. A total of 83 new deaths, with 60 confirmed, were also reported Friday.

With 40,559 tests reported, 11.9% were confirmed positive.

Percentage of S.C. residents with at least 1 vaccine: 59.1%
Percentage of S.C. residents who have completed vaccination: 50.2%