covid-19 news

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded in South Carolina

As of Wednesday, March 31st, any South Carolinian aged 16 and older is eligible to schedule and receive their COVID-19 vaccine, marking South Carolina’s move to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

In an effort to get as many individuals vaccinated as possible, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the decision to skip Phase 1C, which would have only included individuals aged 45 and older, and opened up the vaccine eligibility to include more people.

In a statement on the decision to open vaccine eligibility, DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said, “We started by making vaccines available to those who were most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19; the elderly, those with high risk of exposure at work, and those with medical conditions that worsen the effects of COVID-19…we are now able to offer three very safe and effective vaccines to all South Carolina residents over the age of 16 – another step on our path to take control of COVID-19 instead of it controlling us and getting back to normal.”

Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccination center near you and schedule your vaccine.

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South Carolina Entering New Phase in Vaccine Distribution

On March 2nd, Governor Henry McMaster announced that South Carolina is officially moving into Phase 1b in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Starting on March 8th, individuals aged 55 and over, people with high-risk medical conditions and front-line workers with increased risk are all eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

The front-line workers who are eligible to receive the vaccine in this next rollout include anyone who is in close contact with other individuals as a part of their job and who is at risk of exposure to COVID-19. These individuals include law enforcement officers, teachers and other school staff, grocery store workers, etc.

Find a vaccine provider and schedule your appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

It is expected that the state will move into Phase 1c of vaccine distribution on April 12th. In addition, officials hope to have the vaccine available for everyone who wishes to receive it by the summer of 2021.

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Columbia Extends Mask Mandate, May Increase Fines

The Columbia City Council voted to extend their mask ordinance within city limits for another two months. The mask ordinance will now end on April 4th – unless the council votes to extend it again.

The Columbia City Council is also considering strengthening the consequences of individuals who do not comply with the ordinance.

During the weekend of January 23rd, over 100 citations were issued to individuals who were not wearing a face mask. Those citations carry a fine of $100, a fee that may be increased in the near future.

According to the ordinance, “…Face coverings which cover the nose and mouth shall be required in all public places within the City. All persons entering a commercial establishment in the City must wear a face covering while inside the establishment. A face covering must also be worn in situations where distances between people change frequently such as a busy sidewalk, waiting area, or popular outdoor area where it is impractical or impossible to maintain six feet of distance at all times…”

A decision on whether or not to increase the fine for not wearing a mask is set to be made during the next council meeting on February 16.