| Greenville News
note: The coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly developing event and this story contains information that has only been updated through July 5, 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 or independentmail.com.
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1,463 new cases announced on Sunday
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control announced on Sunday 1,462 new cases of the coronavirus, in addition to eight confirmed deaths.
There were three probable cases and a probable death from the virus also reported, according to DHEC.
Greenville County has seen 168 new cases – the second largest in the state – and a death of an elderly person, according to DHEC.
Charleston County saw the most new cases on Sunday, with 276 cases reported.
Over the weekend of July 4, more than 3,000 new cases of the virus were reported, bringing the state total to 44,717. So far, 813 people have died from the virus, with seven other likely deaths linked to Covid-19.
The number of positive percentages for the 8,831 tests administered yesterday was 16.6%, according to DHEC.
Here are the breakdowns by county:
- Greenville: 168 cases and one death
- Anderson: 16 cases
- Pickens: 36 boxes
- Oconee: 12 cases
- Spartanburg: 54 cases and two deaths
DHEC announces record number of new cases on July 4
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control announced on Saturday a record number of new cases of the coronavirus: 1,836 confirmed cases.
The previous record occurred four days ago, with 1,741 cases. There were 19 reported deaths, most of which occurred in Midlands and Lowcountry.
Horry County led the state in new cases with 358. The coastal county and tourist center has seen thousands of visitors descend on the beaches of Grand Strand since they reopened last month. Charleston County saw the second highest number of cases, 345.
Greenville County saw 199 new cases of the virus and no deaths, the statement said.
The positive percentage – the number of cases that tested positive yesterday – was 19.7% in 9,338 tests, according to the statement. The percentage of positives hovered between 15% and 20% per day, far more than the nation’s average percentage of 7.5%, according to Johns Hopkins University.
Today’s launch brings the total number of confirmed cases in South Carolina to 43,260 and deaths to 126, according to daily DHEC disclosure.
Governor Henry McMaster urged residents to wear a mask and social distance during the busy July 4 weekend, but made no plans to order home or close restaurants and businesses.
Upstate County totals for July 4th:
- Anderson County: 19 new cases
- Pickens County: 21 new cases
- Oconee County: 13 new cases
- Greenville County: 199 new cases
- Spartanburg County: 37 new cases and one death of an elderly person
On Saturday morning, hospital bed occupancy was 71%, with 7,648 beds occupied – 1,190 beds occupied by coronavirus patients, according to the statement.
Clemson Free Clinic distributing free masks
The Clemson Free Clinic on Tiger Blvd. will distribute free face masks to residents every Wednesday from 4:30 pm to 6 pm, according to the city hall.
The announcement comes after approval by the city council of a mandatory masking law that requires people to wear protective equipment in public spaces and businesses.
People who take the masks are instructed to park at the pharmacy’s collection points and wait in the car until a volunteer brings the masks. Visitors can also wait outside the clinic, but are asked not to enter the building.
The clinic is located at 1200 Clemson St., Suite 1 on US 123 in Clemson.
DHEC announces more than 1,500 new cases Friday
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control announced on Friday another 1,558 cases of coronavirus and another 10 deaths from COVID-19.
This brings the total number of people killed by the respiratory virus in South Carolina to 787.
Of the new cases, 128 of them occurred in Greenville County and 65 in Anderson County.
Three of those who died lived in Greenville County; an elderly person, a middle-aged person and a young adult.
An elderly man died in Anderson County.
Pandemic ‘complexity’ leads Clemson University to abandon phased employee return plan
With coronavirus cases increasing across the state, Clemson University will no longer bring employees back on campus in formal stages, according to a school statement.
The university said it is adopting a “more holistic” payback plan for employees in response to the “complex and constantly changing nature” of the pandemic.
Clemson will be conservative in asking employees to return this summer, specifically those at high risk and those who can effectively work from home, the statement said. Employees returning to campus this summer are expected to follow social security and detachment policies.
AnMed Health prohibits visiting inpatients again as an increase in COVID-19
AnMed Health is reestablishing a policy that prohibits most hospitalized visitors as COVID-19 cases continue to increase across the state and throughout South Carolina, according to a health system statement.
The policy goes into effect on Monday.
End-of-life, pediatric, childbirth and childbirth, surgery and emergency patients will be entitled to a support person, the statement said. A support person will also be allowed in outpatient facilities.
Patients with positive COVID or under investigation for coronavirus will not have visits under any circumstances, the statement said. All patients and visitors must wear masks.
More COVID-19 news from Thursday: Greenville leads SC with new cases