COVID-19 Update

COVID-19 Vaccine Available For Residents Aged 70 and Over

As of January 13th, South Carolina residents aged 70 and older are officially eligible to begin scheduling their appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is assisting qualifying individuals in their search of vaccination sites.

Over 67 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in South Carolina have been amongst individuals over the age of 70 so officials are eager to get as many people vaccinated as possible.

Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Director of Public Health, explained the state’s decision to begin vaccinating this portion of the population saying, “Based on current data, the mortality rate from COVID-19 for those 70 and older in South Carolina is approximately 655 deaths per 100,000 individuals. For those under the age of 70, there are approximately 37 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This is a staggering comparison and illustrates why vaccinating this population next is critically important in our mission to save lives.”

There are no required pre-existing conditions that an individual needs to have in order to receive their vaccine – as long as they are a South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, they can schedule their vaccination appointment.

DHEC has created an online map showing the locations that are currently accepting vaccination appointments throughout the state. They are also assisting individuals in finding vaccination locations through their Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.

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McMaster Allows Restaurants with Outdoor Seating to Reopen

Feature Image Source: TheState.com

Governor Henry McMaster lifted statewide “Work-or-Home” orders on Monday, allowing restaurants to offer outdoor dining in addition to existing take out, curbside, and delivery options.

Additionally, McMaster lifted executive orders regarding coronavirus hotspots, meaning that visitors to the state no longer will need to self-quarantine for two weeks. The state is still strongly urging all people to minimize travel outside of work and home and asking that anyone who shows symptoms to immediately seek medical attention for testing or treatment.

“Our goal from the onset of this deadly pandemic has been to protect South Carolinians, but as we all know, the state’s economic health is a major component of the state’s public health,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “South Carolinians, now more than ever, should be vigilant in protecting themselves, their loved ones, and their communities by practicing social distancing and continuing to follow the advice and recommendations from our public health experts.”

The following guidelines have been issued for restaurants to follow if offering outdoor seating:

Existing approved outdoor seating areas:

Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table);
Limit table groups to 8 individuals;
Eliminate gatherings in the building when entering or exiting outdoor seating area;
Maintain strict social/physical distancing guidelines;
Tables, chairs, and seats should be sanitized after every customer

If open areas and/or temporary tents are utilized by existing, permitted restaurants, all sides of the tent must be open and the following conditions are required:

Tables are to be spaced a minimum of 8 feet from each other (measured from all edges of the table);
Table groups are to be limited to 8 individuals;
State-approved fire extinguisher within 75 feet of tent area;
Minimum of 7-foot-6 inch headroom (ceiling height)

For additional questions and information, click here.

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How to stay informed about COVID-19 in South Carolina

Featured Image Source: CDC Instagram

During this time it is important to remain up-to-date with current events, local and state information, and updates from health officials. Here are a few resources available to help you stay informed.

For basic virus information, protective measures, and other public advice from the World Health Organization, click here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-GI3hrj5_a/

For continuous updates on the number of reported cases in the US, broken down by state, from the Center for Disease Control, click here.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-K21mhnZVL/

For South Carolina-specific information about positive cases by county and other data compiled by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, click here.

For information about business closings and new restaurant services, be sure to check with your local news source (see the Charleston City Paper’s example with Holy City eateries here).

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Health Update: The State’s Response to the Coronavirus

Featured Image Source: WYFF

As increasing numbers of positive cases of the coronavirus are identified globally, South Carolina officials are responding. On Sunday South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the temporary closure of schools across the state after nine new cases of COVID-19 were identified earlier in the week. Starting on Monday the 16th schools were shut down and will remain closed until the end of March, until further notice. The decision by McMaster applies to public schools across the state, and efforts by transportation officials have begun to supply materials to children in remote areas for online classes.

Several schools throughout the state have responded to closures by implementing free meals for students, offering “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch on weekdays. Th at eight designated schools. Breakfasts and lunches will be available for pick-up from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and from 12:30-2:30 p.m. respectively at school locations in Columbia, Eastover, and Hopkins.

In addition to shutting down schools, the governor requested that all public gatherings in South Carolina be limited to under 100 people following advice from health organizations to limit the number of people in one location. As of Monday evening the total number of statewide cases testing positive for the coronavirus has reached 33.

For continued updates on closures and safety information, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Center for Disease Control.