COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 2
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 600 new cases reported
At least 466,318 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 8,092 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 683 new COVID-19 cases, up from 510 reported the day before.
Seven coronavirus-related deaths and three “probable” deaths were also reported Friday.
At least 470 people were reported hospitalized with the coronavirus in the state as of Friday, with 116 patients in the ICU.
As of Friday, 3.9% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.
Over 1.9 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in South Carolina, and more than 723,000 people in the state have “completed vaccination” as of Wednesday, the last day new data was reported.
SC Republicans speak out against ‘vaccine passports’
South Carolina won’t tolerate “vaccine passports,” Gov. Henry McMaster said, a sentiment shared by most of the state’s Republican congressmen.
The idea of requiring U.S. residents to carry documentation proving they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to travel is “un-American to its core,” McMaster said in a tweet.
Friday, five of South Carolina’s six Republican Congress members signed a letter supporting McMaster’s view, saying they had “grave concerns” about vaccine passports.
“Today, we ask that you do everything in your power under the law to prohibit ‘vaccine passports’ from being required to enter, enjoy and move about our beautiful state,” the letter read.
While the Biden administration is working to establish standards for residents to prove they’ve been vaccinated, the White House has said there will not be a federal requirement for Americans to get such documents.
Despite those promises, many Republicans are continuing to speak out against vaccine passports, or similar concepts.
2,000 SC teachers fully vaccinated at mass clinic
Teachers who were the among the first to get the COVID-19 vaccine under Phase 1b in South Carolina last month returned to Darlington Raceway’s mass vaccination clinic for their second shot Thursday, according to The Sun News.
The clinic, hosted by McLeod Health, estimates it has inoculated nearly 2,000 teachers since it was granted permission from the state to begin vaccinating educators early.
Officials said most were from Florence School District One and lined up for their second shot of the Moderna vaccine.
“We’re excited about that,” said Will McLeod, administrator of McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence. “I think anything we can do to get back to a normal life, to get kids back in school feels great.”
Raises restored for Beaufort County Schools staff
After a coronavirus-related budget freeze, Beaufort County employees will finally have their annual raises restored, The Island Packet reported.
Teachers and staff will also receive back pay for raises that were halted due to the pandemic last year.
The Beaufort County Council will make a final decision on the school district’s budget in June.
Some in SC could pay $0 for health insurance during COVID
Under the American Rescue Plan passed last month, jobless and low-income Americans may be able to find inexpensive deals on health insurance, and in some cases, pay nothing at all.
Unemployed and low-income people who buy insurance through the marketplace can apply for higher tax credits that lower the cost of health care, The State reported.
This is thanks to subsidies that went into effect Thursday. As part of the American Rescue Plan, the subsidies are intended to make health care more accessible during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more, read the rest of the story here.
New homebuyer program for SC frontline workers
Workers on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic may now qualify for a homebuyer program offering up to $12,000 in assistance, The Sun News reported.
The SC Housing Finance and Development Authority announced on Thursday its first-time homebuyer program, which is open to all teachers, law enforcement officers, medical professionals, emergency responders, active-duty and military veterans.
Those who qualify could get a low, fixed-rate mortgage and maximum $12,000 in forgivable assistance for a down payment. Requirements to qualify for the new program vary from county to county, however.
To apply for the program and see if you qualify, visit https://schousing.com/Home/Palmetto-Heroes.
Catawba Nation expands COVID shot to other Native Americans
The Catawba Indian Nation is working to get COVID-19 vaccines in the arms of more Native Americans, the Rock Hill Herald reported.
The Nation’s on-site clinic is now offering the vaccine to individuals ages 18 and older who are members of any federally recognized tribe in the U.S. Spouses or roommates of a registered member of the Catawba Nation are also eligible.
The Nation is considered a sovereign government and has been administering the coronavirus vaccine to its members since January.
Members of other Indigenous groups who are interested in getting vaccinated can contact the Catawba Service Unit at 803-372-5681.
This story was originally published April 2, 2021 at 6:42 AM with the headline "COVID-19 vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on April 2."