South Carolina approached 400,000 confirmed coronavirus cases on Sunday, with more than 2,600 new cases registered.
Nearly 5 million tests for the virus have been carried out across the state, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
A high percentage of these tests have been positive in recent months. Last week, almost 25% of tests confirmed cases of the virus.
State figures
New cases reported: 2,649.
Total cases in SC: 396,712 confirmed, 46,674 probable.
New reported deaths: 23 confirmed, six likely.
Total deaths in SC: 6,355 confirmed, 687 likely.
Percentage of ICU beds occupied: 78 percent.
Percentage of positive tests, average 7 days: 24.9 percent.
How does SC rank in vaccines administered by 100,000 people? 37 as of Saturday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most affected areas
The three counties with the highest level of cases for their populations are Pickens and Greenville in Upstate and Dillon County in Pee Dee, according to DHEC.
What about the tri-county?
Charleston County announced 179 new cases on Sunday, while Berkeley counted 95 and Dorchester saw 67.
Hospitalizations
Of the 1,841 patients with COVID-19 admitted to Sunday, 413 were in the ICU and 261 were using ventilators.
What do the experts say?
The authorities continue to urge Southern Carolinians to take precautions, such as wearing masks or other facial coverings, social detachment and frequent hand washing.
They also recommend that anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus or who are developing symptoms get tested. Those who live in the community or cannot distance themselves socially should be tested monthly, DHEC advised.
Talk to Fleming Smith at 843-937-5591. Follow her on Twitter at @MFlemingSmith.