FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 30, 2020
COLUMBIA, SC – The day after providing an update on COVID-19 vaccines, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that the percentage of vaccinations across the state for doses received by the federal government is 31 per cent. percent, which is above the national average of 19 percent and almost double that of other southeastern states.
“We continue to successfully implement the carefully crafted statewide vaccination plan and the number of Phase 1a individuals who can currently receive the vaccine is increasing every week,” said Dr. Linda Bell, South Carolina State Epidemiologist. “Our overall goal is to prevent further loss of life due to this deadly virus, and with the irreplaceable frontline medical workers and vulnerable residents of nursing homes and long-term care centers and employees receiving vaccines, we are well this objective was directed to the meeting. “
Based on current panels and reports, utilization rates (doses administered and doses allocated and / or sent from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine) indicate:
- South Carolina: 35,158 / 112,125 (31%)
- North Carolina 63,500 / 323,125 (20%)
- Georgia: 52,242 / 372,900 (14%)
- Alabama: 20,354 / 128,175 (16%)
Using the Data Tracker COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of national vaccine administration, based on the doses distributed and the first doses administered, is currently 19 percent.
Dr. Bell reminded the South Carolinians that, although more vaccines continue to arrive in the state, doses are limited in South Carolina, as in all states. She also encouraged everyone to remain patient and follow the guidance of public health officials.
“An unknown time will pass before everyone who would like to be vaccinated can receive the vaccine,” he said. Dr. Bell said. “We ask all Southern Carolinians to remain patient and understand that an undertaking like this will take many weeks to complete the initial phases and months to reach our final goal of coverage for the population. When my turn comes, I will be among the first in line to receive the vaccine, but until then, I will continue to take the daily actions that protect me, my loved ones and my community. It is the responsibility of each of us to wear our masks, to keep ourselves physically apart, to have regular exams and to stay home if we are sick with any symptoms. “
As residents across South Carolina prepare to celebrate the new year, Dr. Bell warned of potential increases in COVID-19 cases and urged everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home: “I think it’s fair to say that many of us are eager to leave 2020 – the year that has cost so many of us so much – behind. But I join public health officials across the country and the world to warn that New Year’s Eve celebrations can be devastating. The safest way to celebrate, as it has been during this holiday season, is to stay home. In a year full of sadness, loss and frustration, we cannot give up now. We must maintain our vigilance until 2021. ”
South Carolina Daily COVID-19 update (December 30, 2020)
DHEC today announced the following updates for COVID-19.
Today’s cases and deaths (scdhec.gov/COVID19)
Cumulative totals (scdhec.gov/COVID19)
- Confirmed and probable cases: 280,024 / 23,451
- Confirmed and probable deaths: 4,846 / 403
- Tests performed for Southern Carolinians: 3,630,067
Testing opportunities (scdhec.gov/COVID19testing)
- Test opportunities available across the state: 306
Positive percentage (scdhec.gov/COVID19dashboard)
- 7,391 individual test results reported across the state yesterday (not including antibody tests)
- 31.4 %% percent positive
Installation reports
The information above, as well as comprehensive reports on county-level information, demographics and more, are available at scdhec.gov/COVID19. The site is updated between 1 pm and 3 pm on weekdays and 11 am to 1 pm on weekends. Visit scdhec.gov/COVID19vaccine for the latest vaccine information.
Additional information and resources
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