south carolina coronavirus

South Carolina Schools Receiving Rapid COVID-19 Tests

Schools across the state of South Carolina will soon have access to rapid COVID-19 tests.

A recent executive order issued by Governor Henry McMaster is requiring DHEC to provide South Carolina schools with rapid COVID-19 tests. As a part of the executive order, more than 1.5 million tests will be delivered to schools.

The rapid antigen test provides results in as little as 15 minutes. However, the test is only meant for staff members or students who are experiencing symptoms related to the coronavirus.

“Particularly for staff, it will be a very useful tool. If a student goes home, it doesn’t necessarily impact the entire school environment. But if you have a large number of staff members who are out quarantining or out because they are positive, it can shut down a school or drastically change the school’s operations,” said Ryan Brown, South Carolina Department of Education Chief Communications Officer.

While school districts are not required to accept or provide these tests, government officials are encouraging school districts and charter schools to opt into the program.

Many schools who have already opted in are currently in the process of training nurses and athletic trainers to conduct these rapid tests, in hopes that these tests will help mitigate the current rise of coronavirus cases throughout the state.

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McMaster Lifts 50% Occupancy Limit and Other COVID Restrictions

A new executive order issued by Governor Henry McMaster has lifted many COVID-19 restrictions. Most notably, restaurants are now able to operate at full capacity.

On the decision to open up the state, Governor McMaster said, “South Carolina is open for business. Our state’s approach has been a measured, deliberate, and targeted one – aimed at keeping our economy open and our people safe.”

While not required, there are a variety of strongly recommended safety measures that restaurants should abide by in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. Some of these safety measures include spacing tables and customers six feet apart and limiting the seating at tables to no more than eight people. In addition, officials recommend staff and patrons continue to wear masks when possible.

Even though restaurants can operate at full capacity, the “last call order” requiring the sale and/or consumption of alcohol to halt at 11:00 pm is still in effect.

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MUSC Claims To Need $30 Million From The State

The Medical University of South Carolina says it needs more funding from the state for COVID-19 related testing and research.

In May of this year, MUSC received $25 million in federal relief funds for coronavirus testing. However, less than $7 million of that lump sum currently remains.

At the beginning of September, the CEO of MUSC Health, Dr. Pat Cawley, attended a Senate Finance and Ways and Means committee meeting to ask for more funding stressing that “At the current rate of testing, we’re looking at being able to continue testing for another four, maybe six weeks.”

MUSC is currently conducting 17 percent of all coronavirus testing in South Carolina and is administering advanced diagnostic saliva-based COVID-19 testing. They are also ensuring everyone has access to testing and mobile screening and collection sites have been set up in rural areas across the state. In addition to testing, the new funds would also be used for a potential vaccine deployment.

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Gov. McMaster Announces Restaurant Saftey Initiative

Governor Henry McMaster announced a restaurant safety initiative known as the Palmetto Priority Pledge last Tuesday. During a Livestream on Facebook, McMaster broke down the details of what this means for restaurants in SC.

“Palmetto Priority is a formal commitment made by South Carolina restaurateurs to provide a clean and safe environment for their staff and customers to demonstrate real precautions that they are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the official website states.

At a glance, this agreement is to be signed by restaurants that pledge to commit to the necessary safety requirements. It’s to include sanitation guidelines, reopening instructions, and participation in several online education modules. If a restaurant completes these actions, they join the master list of safe establishments. Community members can view the directory and for a comprehensive list of which establishments are following the necessary protocol.

In an attempt to keep SC safe, this pledge is a means of spreading safety and information. Next time you decide to dine out, visit Palmetto Priority to assure that your safety is being made a priority.