| The Greenville News & Independent Mail
note: The coronavirus outbreak is a rapidly developing event and this story contains information that has only been updated through May 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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DHEC report shows 93 new cases, 13 deaths
State health officials said on Tuesday that an additional 93 people tested positive for the new coronavirus COVID-19 and 13 people with the disease died.
There were 6,841 people tested positive for COVID-19 and 296 people died in South Carolina.
The average age of a person with COVID-19 in South Carolina is 50.7, and the average age of a person with the disease that dies is 75, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control. The youngest person with COVID-19 to die was 27 years old and the oldest person, 101.
Deaths among blacks remain disproportionate, accounting for 46% of COVID-19-related deaths in the state, while they represent 27% of the state’s population.
DHEC also released updated information on nursing homes and assisted living facilities where at least one person tested positive for COVID-19. In 77 facilities, 851 have COVID-19 and 55 people connected to one facility died.
Survey shows 40% of SC companies dismissed or dismissed from workers
A survey of about 4,500 South Carolina companies showed that most companies struggled most with the lack of demand for their products, and 40% of those companies laid off or laid off employees.
An equal percentage of companies have also made or are considering cutting employee wages, according to the survey.
The survey also found that 43% of companies that laid off or laid off employees do not expect to bring all employees back in the next three months.
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Clemson students working to help those in need in Latin America
Clemson students are partnering with the Hispanic alliance to help Hispanic and Latino students and families in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
The group asks people who normally go out to celebrate Cinco de Mayo to consider using that money to make a donation to the Hispanic Alliance.
Donations will match up to $ 2,000. The money will go to help people in the community on the front lines or in essential jobs.
To donate, visit hispanicalliancesc.com/lucu
Swimming pools should remain closed for now
While some things are reopening, each renewal of Governor Henry McMaster’s State of Emergency Order means that some places will remain closed for now.
With the neighborhood pool season approaching, the opening plans remain uncertain.
DHEC said the April 27 renewal of the state of emergency meant that the pools would remain closed for another 15 days or until the emergency order was lifted.
While social detachment is a major concern for keeping many facilities closed, the CDC says there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people through water in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas or games. of water areas.
“Proper operation and maintenance (including chlorine and bromine disinfection) at these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water,” said the CDC.
City of Greer to open larger parks
The city of Greer is reopening its larger parks for limited use from 6 May.
In a press release on its website, the city announced Greer City Park, Greer Center for the Arts Park, Century Park Disc Golf, Veterans Park, Victor Park Walking Trails and Greer Country Club will reopen on Wednesday.
The city asks those using the parks to keep moving while they are in the parks, instead of lingering or having picnics. Customers are also asked to maintain a safe social distance
All playgrounds, restrooms, athletic fields and tennis courts will remain closed for the time being.
Dixie Youth Baseball Season Canceled
The 2020 Dixie Youth Baseball World Series Tournaments was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is the first time in 64 years of the league’s history to be canceled.
“With all the uncertainties and disturbances that the COVID-19 virus has caused in our country, we don’t think that trying to play a world series would be the most prudent thing to do,” the league said in a statement.
The league said the decision was made for the well-being of all participants and fans and that it hopes to remove tournaments from the postseason schedule to help states and leagues manage to play substantial games in the regular season when activities are underway. released to start.
Housing aid on the way for families in distress in Greenville County
Greenville County United Way announced on Tuesday that it is launching an Emergency Housing Assistance Fund to help families in the area who are struggling after losing their jobs and wondering how to keep a roof over their heads.
The fund was created with a team of community partners and supported by an initial $ 150,000 investment from the COVID-19 Community Relief Fund, according to a United Way statement.
To learn more or donate to the fund, visit unitedwaygc.org
Catholic churches in South Carolina to open next week
South Carolina’s Catholic churches will reopen for mass from May 11 until the first Sunday in two months, on May 17, to have worshipers in the pews.
Some of the restrictions are still being resolved by parish priests, but the state’s Charleston Diocese has outlined the reopening process.
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The coronavirus pandemic drives exponential growth in telehealth within the state
Nearly six out of 10 people, 59%, of health care consumers say they are more likely to use telehealth services since the coronavirus appeared, although only 25% have done so far, according to a recent survey by Sage Growth Partners, the health consulting firm and Black Book Market Research, a technology and services market research firm.
More than a third, 35%, would change doctors to have this option and 45% would like more access to virtual mental health services, the survey showed.
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Food coupon orders remain high as SC begins to reopen
Even with the reopening of some South Carolina companies, requests for food assistance remain almost double what they were on a normal day before schools and businesses closed in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Applications for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps, skyrocketed in late March, according to data from the state’s Department of Social Work.
On normal days, the agency receives 700 to 800 SNAP benefit registrations. On March 27, the agency received 8,002 applications and, on March 30, there were 8,860.
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Here’s what to know Tuesday
- Greenville County received $ 91 million from the federal COVID-19 grant that is likely to go to keep small businesses running.
- South Carolina schools closed in March and students were instructed to do schoolwork at home – but only about 17% of teachers say they have contacted all of their students and thousands of students are not doing the homework.
- Wildlife experts fear that some bat species in South Carolina could be eliminated from COVID-19, but studies on the effects of the disease on bats have been suspended as a precaution.
- Clemson’s tourism revenue was destroyed by COVID-19, leaving many iconic companies to adjust, evolve or topple.
- Outdoor activities are booming in the state, with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reporting a significant increase in hunting and fishing licenses compared to last year.
- On Monday, another 135 people tested positive for COVID-19 and eight people with the disease died. 6,757 people tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina and 283 people died. COVID-19’s death toll is expected to rise even more than previously thought, with a new projection showing that deaths could reach 1,100 in early August.