Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 13
We’re keeping track of the latest coronavirus news in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
State of emergency
The governor’s office announced that South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is expected to declare a state of emergency at a news conference at 5 p.m. Friday.
Additionally, McMaster will order that schools be closed for 14 days in Kershaw and Lancaster counties, as those are the only two counties where the coronavirus is known to be spreading, the statement said.
No other counties have been told to close schools at this time, but McMaster is expected to order the state Superintendent and the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, to work together and make those decisions.
There have been two cases outside of Kershaw and Lancaster counties, one in Charleston and the other in Spartanburg, according to The State, but neither has shown evidence of community spread.
Latest cases
There are now 13 reported cases of coronavirus in South Carolina.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Friday they’re investigating one new possible case of coronavirus in Camden, Kershaw County. The woman is tied to another known case in South Carolina.
Officials said she was seen at a healthcare facility and is now in isolation at home. She was tested by a private lab.
Two others tested presumptive positive on Thursday, according to the DHEC.
One is a Lancaster County resident who is a relative or friend of the only other COVID-19 patient in the county, officials said.
The other person is in Camden in Kershaw County, according to state officials, who said they weren’t sure how the man contracted the disease. Most of South Carolina’s cases have been in Kershaw.
Six of the 13 reported cases have been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to The State.
Colleges impacted
Newberry College is canceling classes March 16-18, and preparing to pivot to from March 19 to April 3, the school announced Friday.
Clemson University is moving all classes online following spring break, the school announced. The move is scheduled to last through March 30, but officials said they might extend it depending on what happens in the coming weeks.
Wofford College said it will continue classes until March 20, but will extend spring break, with classes starting again on April 6.
Columbia International University is also extending its spring break, with students set to return March 20. The university said it is still weighing whether it will move courses online.
Southern Wesleyan University switched to online instruction Thursday and will continue until Thursday, March 19.
Governor says more money needed
Gov. Henry McMaster is asking for $45 million in additional funding to help combat the spread of coronavirus in South Carolina.
Thursday, McMaster called on state legislators to set aside $45 million for the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, SC’s frontline of defense against COVID-19.
“DHEC protocols and procedures require the agency to prepare for a variety of contingencies and situations,” McMaster wrote in the letter, according to The State. “This requires that the agency identify and secure — in advance — the necessary resources, equipment and personnel to successfully address these contingencies.”
Basketball
The SEC men’s basketball tournament is canceled. After initially stating that the game would go on without fans in attendance, the decision was made soon after to call the whole thing off.
March Madness has also been canceled.
This story was originally published March 13, 2020 at 10:07 AM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on March 13."