note: The coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly developing event and this story contains information that has only been updated through August 31, 2020. Some of the information here may have changed due to the nature of the pandemic; updates are reflected in more current stories. For news about the coronavirus outbreak and its impact in South Carolina, visit greenvillenews.com, independentmail.com. or goupstate.com.
Map of coronavirus SC: An analysis of COVID-19 cases by county and postal code
Clemson sees increased virus presence in wastewater
The city of Clemson saw an increase in coronavirus in wastewater samples this week, according to a city wastewater analysis.
The Cochran Road Plant, which serves the northern part of the city, where many off-campus student housing units are located, reported 800,000 copies of viruses per liter of water, an increase of 1000% over samples collected on August 18.
There is “significant concern” about the presence of the virus in the community based on samples collected at the Cochran Road plant, according to the report.
At the Pendleton / Clemson factory, which serves the southern part of the city and parts of Pendleton, the samples indicated that there were 230,000 copies of viruses per liter of water, up from 150,000 on August 18. The level of concern is “significant” as well.
Samples collected at the university’s water treatment plant showed no concern about the spread of the virus on campus.
Many students at Clemson University returned to the city in mid-August, when off-campus apartment rentals began. The Pickens County School District has also reopened for this month’s school year.
See the city’s complete wastewater sampling record here.
DHEC announces cases, deaths
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control on Monday announced 651 new confirmed cases and 26 new probable cases of the new coronavirus COVID-19, 12 additional confirmed deaths.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 117,333, probable cases to 1,659, confirmed deaths to 2,588 and 132 probable deaths.
Until Sunday, 1,013,506 tests were carried out in the state.
The total number of individual test results reported to DHEC yesterday across the state was 4,177 (not including antibody tests) and the positive percentage was 15.6%, according to a press release.
Clemson students face suspension and expulsion for COVID-19 security breaches
Clemson University students can be suspended – or worse, expelled – if they violate existing health and safety restrictions due to the coronavirus, according to university officials.
The university updated its student code of conduct “requiring compliance with special health and safety guidelines” on and off campus, according to director of student affairs communication Philip Sikes.
Pres. James Clements said he drove through the center of Clemson last week and observed queues of students waiting to enter “local establishments” and who were “all masked”.
Read the story.
See how COVID-19 changed four Greenville dining events
If restaurants are experiencing difficulties in the midst of COVID-19, gastronomic events are decimated. Charleston Wine + Food canceled its March 2021 event, Atlanta Food & Wine Festival reorganized itself as a “reimagined” festival with a mix of small face-to-face dinners and virtual classes and the acclaimed FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen canceled this year too.
Here’s what COVID-19 meant for some of the most popular gastronomic events in the state’s countryside and how each one has changed this year.
Read the story.
What to know Monday
- The State Department of Health and Environmental Control on Sunday reported 1,019 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina and 11 additional confirmed deaths.
- SC health officials announced updated recommendations for COVID-19 tests on Sunday. To find a free trial event, go to the Internet and visit: scdhec.gov/GetTested
- The number of new COVID-19 cases confirmed on Saturday was the highest total of last week, with 1,250.
- Free mobile medical screenings are arriving at JC Bull Apartments and Camp Croft Courts in Spartanburg, Wednesday, September 2. Details here.
- More cinemas in Upstate are reopening. Here’s what you need to know.