Every day, The Greenville News publishes a new live story with the latest COVID-19 news relevant to our communities in the state. This is our COVID-19 news summary for December 9, 2020. We will update this story only until the end of the day.
Map of coronavirus SC: An analysis of COVID-19 cases by county and postal code
COVID can kill thousands of people in SC if people do not act to contain the virus
Thousands more people in South Carolina could die in the coming months if the public does not “redouble efforts” to help contain COVID-19, said a state official on Wednesday, when the state registered its sixth consecutive day with more 2,000 daily cases.
“From late November to early April, another 3,000 South Carolinians could die if we don’t do something different,” said Dr. Linda Bell, a state epidemiologist.
She also said that if people followed preventive measures and changed the trajectory of the cases, South Carolina could prevent another 1,000 deaths. Governor Henry McMaster reiterated that the state would not reinstate tighter summer restrictions.
Read the full story
Jury trials stopped in South Carolina
South Carolina Supreme Court President Don Beatty issued an order calling for an end to the circuit court jury trials.
As of this week, all court hearings already scheduled may still begin, as long as they are not jury trials, according to the order. The order asks the courts to use remote communication technology, if possible, for such cases.
“In addition, I consider that, considering the continued increase in COVID-19 cases across South Carolina, and the expectation of the medical community and experts that the number of positive cases will continue to increase in the near future, it is prudent to further once making changes in the operations of the county courts for the protection of those who work within the courts, as well as those who serve our state by participating in the jury service, “said Beatty in his dispatch.
The order will remain in effect until Beatty changes or rescinds the order. An order to resume the jury’s judgments will be issued three weeks in advance, so that the judicial systems have the opportunity to summon jurors.
20.5% of yesterday’s coronavirus tests were positive
The State Department of Health and Environmental Control reported on Wednesday 2,139 new cases of COVID-19 and 26 new deaths. The department also reported 71 new probable cases of COVID-19.
The cumulative state total is 223,140 confirmed cases and there were 4,280 confirmed total deaths. In addition, there were 16,304 probable cases and 332 probable deaths.
Of the 10,411 COVID-19 test results reported to DHEC, 20.5% were positive.
Among South Carolina’s 46 counties, Greenville County, the most populous of the state’s 46 counties, led the state with the highest number of confirmed cases every day since November 6. Greenville County, which accounts for 10.2% of the state’s population according to the latest Census Bureau estimates accounted for 16.1% of COVID-19 cases reported on Monday, 345.
Spartanburg, which represents 6.2% of the state’s population, was responsible for 9.6% of new cases (141). Spartanburg reported a state record of six deaths on Wednesday.
Anderson, who represents 3% of the population, was responsible for 6.09% of new cases (79), and Pickens, who accounts for 2.5% of the population, accounted for 5.6% of new cases (73).