COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina

{{COVID-19 pandemic data/United States/South Carolina medical cases chart}}

• March 6: DHEC announced that two women, one from Charleston County and one from Kershaw County, were under investigation and are presumed to have South Carolina's first cases of COVID-19.{{cite web |last1=Feit |first1=Noah |last2=Daprile |first2=Lucas |last3=Fretwell |first3=Sammy |title=First potential coronavirus cases under investigation in South Carolina |url=https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article240838221.html |website=thestate.com |publisher=The State |access-date=March 15, 2020 |date=March 6, 2020}} Tests for the two women returned the next day as "presumptive-positive," giving South Carolina its first two cases. The two cases were not linked, and one of them involved a patient who had recently traveled to Italy and France.{{cite web |last1=Riviera |first1=Ray |last2=Phillips |first2=Patrick |title=First possible S.C. novel coronavirus cases detected in Charleston, Kershaw Counties |url=https://www.live5news.com/2020/03/07/first-possible-novel-coronavirus-cases-detected-charleston-kershaw-counties/ |website=live5news.com |access-date=March 15, 2020 |date=March 7, 2020}}
• March 12: The South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) announced that it would suspend all athletics until April 3.{{cite web |last1=Glover |first1=Emery |title=SCISA postpones spring sports in S.C. amid coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/12/scisa-postpones-spring-sports-sc-amid-coronavirus-concerns/ |website=wistv.com |date=March 12, 2020 |access-date=March 15, 2020}} The South Carolina Science Olympiad canceled its state championship tournaments scheduled for March 14 and 21.{{cite web |title=SC SCIENCE OLYMPIAD |url=https://www.sc-so.org/ |website=sc-so.org |access-date=March 15, 2020 |language=en}}
• March 13: Governor Henry McMaster declares a state of emergency and orders the closure of all public schools in Kershaw and Lancaster counties for 14 days.{{cite web |last1=Mallory |first1=Laurel |title=S.C. governor declares state of emergency; orders Kershaw, Lancaster county schools to close |url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/13/sc-governor-declare-state-emergency-orders-kershaw-lancaster-county-schools-close/ |website=wistv.com |access-date=March 15, 2020 |date=March 13, 2020}}
• March 15: Governor McMaster and other officials announce the closure of all public schools in the state until March 31.{{cite web |last1=Ablon |first1=Matthew |title=SC governor shuts down all public schools until March 31 to combat spread of coronavirus |url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/coronavirus/sc-governor-shuts-down-all-public-schools-until-march-to/article_610dca74-66fa-11ea-a3b1-4b468e5adf2d.html |website=FOX Carolina |access-date=March 15, 2020 |date=March 15, 2020 |language=en}}
• March 16:
• A nursing home patient in Lexington County is reported as the first COVID-19 related death in South Carolina.{{cite web |title=State of South Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Related Death |url=https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/state-south-carolina-reports-first-covid-19-related-death |website=South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control}}{{cite web |last1=Mallory |first1=Laurel |title=S.C. reports first COVID-19-related death was Lexington Co. nursing home patient |url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/16/sc-reports-first-covid-related-death/ |website=wistv.com |access-date=March 16, 2020}}
• The South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) suspends all spring sports until April 5.{{cite web |title=SCHSL suspends all spring sports due to threat of coronavirus |url=https://www.wmbfnews.com/2020/03/16/schsl-suspends-all-spring-sports-due-threat-coronavirus/ |website=wmbfnews.com |access-date=March 16, 2020 |date=March 16, 2020}}
• March 17: Governor McMaster issues an executive order requiring the mandatory shutdown of dine-in service in restaurants and bars. The order also includes the delay of state tax deadlines until June 1, the general request of state agencies to waive any restrictive regulations in order to move faster to address the virus, and also prohibits gatherings of more than 50 people at publicly owned facilities.{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 2020-10 |url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-03-17%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-10%20-%20Directing%20Additional%20Emergency%20Measures%20Due%20to%20COVID-19.pdf |website=South Carolina Office of the Governor |access-date=March 18, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Governor's Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) | date=March 17, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmFB142WyLw |website=YouTube |access-date=March 17, 2020}}
• March 19: The Governor issues an additional executive order, ordering non-essential state employees to stay home, emergency measures for unemployment claims and benefits, among other orders, including calling for all public colleges and universities in the state to finish their semesters online.{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 2020-11 |url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-03-19%20FILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-11%20-%20Additional%20Emergency%20Measures%20%26%20Regulatory%20Relief%20re%20COVID-19.pdf |website=South Carolina Office of the Governor |access-date=March 19, 2020}}{{cite web |title=Governor's Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 19, 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH-EOGBEzWI |website=YouTube |access-date=March 19, 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Mallory |first1=Laurel |title=S.C. governor asks colleges to complete semester online as 21 more COVID-19 cases reported |url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/19/sc-governor-asks-colleges-complete-semester-online-more-covid-cases-reported/ |website=wistv.com |access-date=March 20, 2020 |date=March 19, 2020}}
• March 20: Two deaths are reported, one in Florence County and one in Charleston County, bringing the total for the state to three. Both persons were reported as being elderly and having underlying health conditions.{{cite web |last1=Mallory |first1=Laurel |title=DHEC: 2 more people in South Carolina die after contracting coronavirus |url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/20/dhec-more-people-south-carolina-die-after-contracting-coronavirus/ |website=wistv.com |access-date=March 20, 2020 |date=March 20, 2020}}
• March 21: The Governor says that a shelter in place is "not under consideration" at the time, after rumors to the contrary and similar action being taken by other states.{{cite web |title=S.C. governor: shelter-in-place "not under consideration" |url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/21/sc-governor-shelter-in-place-not-under-consideration/ |website=wbtv.com |access-date=March 21, 2020 |date=March 21, 2020}} McMaster also orders local law enforcement to disperse crowds gathered on state beaches.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/21/additional-coronavirus-cases-south-carolina-statewide-total-rises/|title=46 additional coronavirus cases in South Carolina, statewide total rises to 173|last=Staff|first=WBTV Web|website=www.wbtv.com|language=en-US|access-date=March 22, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322113633/https://www.wbtv.com/2020/03/21/additional-coronavirus-cases-south-carolina-statewide-total-rises/|url-status=dead}}
• March 23:
• DHEC reports two additional deaths, one from Kershaw County (later reclassified to Sumter County) and one from Clarendon County, bringing South Carolina's total to five. Both persons had underlying health conditions.{{cite web |title=State of South Carolina Reports Two Additional COVID-19 Related Deaths {{!}} SCDHEC |url=https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/state-south-carolina-reports-two-additional-covid-19-related-deaths |website=www.scdhec.gov |access-date=March 23, 2020 |date=March 23, 2020}}
• Governor McMaster holds a briefing in which he instructs law enforcement to disperse any public gathering of three or more people, with violations of this rule resulting in a misdemeanor.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus updates in SC: Gov. McMaster directs law enforcement to break up public gatherings of 3 or more |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2020/03/23/coronavirus-updates-sc-heres-what-know-monday-morning/2894988001/ |website=The Greenville News |access-date=March 23, 2020 |language=en |date=March 23, 2020}}
• March 24:
• Governor McMaster and State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announce that public schools statewide, including colleges and universities, will remain closed through the end of April.{{cite web |title=SC schools to remain closed through April |url=http://www.golaurens.com/news/sc-schools-to-remain-closed-through-april/article_2deb289e-6e02-11ea-a60b-abceb632d77b.html |website=GoLaurens.Com |access-date=March 24, 2020 |language=en |date=March 24, 2020}}{{cite web |title=South Carolina schools will remain closed until the end of April, governor says |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-schools-will-remain-closed-until-the-end-of-april-governor-says/31916572 |website=WYFF |access-date=March 24, 2020 |language=en |date=March 24, 2020}}
• The sixth and seventh coronavirus-related deaths are reported by DHEC. One of these was the second death reported from Florence County; this person was reported to have underlying health problems. The other death was reported from Horry County; this person did not have any reported underlying health problems. Additionally, DHEC reported that an individual whose death was originally attributed to Kershaw County actually resided in Sumter County.{{cite web |title=South Carolina Announces Two Additional Deaths Related to COVID-19 {{!}} SCDHEC |url=https://www.scdhec.gov/index.php/news-releases/south-carolina-announces-two-additional-deaths-related-covid-19 |website=www.scdhec.gov |access-date=March 24, 2020 |date=March 24, 2020}}
• March 25: The death of Jack West, the son of former Governor John C. West, is reported as the eighth in South Carolina and the first from Kershaw County.{{cite web |last1=Fretwell |first1=Sammy |title=Coronavirus claims life of lobbyist, son of former South Carolina governor |url=https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article241397776.html |website=thestate.com |publisher=The State |access-date=March 25, 2020 |date=March 25, 2020}}
• March 27:
• It is announced that state parks will be closed through the end of April.{{cite web |title=All SC state parks to close due to COVID-19, park officials say |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/state-parks-closing-through-april-officials-say/31955615 |website=WYFF |access-date=March 27, 2020 |language=en |date=March 27, 2020}}
• President Donald Trump approves South Carolina's disaster declaration.{{cite web |title=Pres. Trump approves South Carolina disaster declaration |url=https://www.wbtw.com/news/state-regional-news/pres-trump-approves-south-carolina-disaster-declaration/ |website=WBTW |access-date=March 28, 2020 |date=March 27, 2020}}

• April 1: The Governor orders all non-essential businesses closed temporarily.{{cite web |last1=Kalsi |first1=Dal |title=Governor orders 'non-essential' SC businesses in 3 categories to close by 5 p.m. Wednesday |url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/governor-orders-non-essential-sc-businesses-in-3-categories-to-close-by-5-p-m/article_1212445a-738d-11ea-af6f-bf7123385b7c.html |website=FOX Carolina |access-date=April 3, 2020 |language=en |date=April 1, 2020}}
• April 3:
• The Governor issues two additional executive orders, one ordering the closure of additional non-essential businesses,{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 2020-18 |url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-04-03%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-18%20-%20Closure%20of%20Additional%20Non-Essential%20Businesses.pdf |website=South Carolina Office of the Governor}} and the other enforcing lodging and travel restrictions from people traveling from high-risk areas (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut).{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 2020-19 |url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-04-03%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-19%20-%20Lodging%20%26%20Travel%20Restrictions%20for%20Individuals%20from%20High-Risk%20Areas.pdf |website=South Carolina Office of the Governor}}
• Data of confirmed cases by zip code is first released.{{cite web |title=COVID-19 in South Carolina, by Zip CodesCases as of 4/2/2020 at 11:59 PM |url=https://www.scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/Covid%20Zip%20Analysis%204_3_2020%20No%20Estimates_0.pdf |website=South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control |access-date=April 4, 2020}}
• DHEC releases data of total persons tested by DHEC Public Health Laboratory and, for the first time, data from private laboratories.
• April 6: Governor McMaster issues a statewide "home or work" order, effective April 7 at 5 p.m. Individuals are permitted to commute to home or to work (for those who cannot work from home), as well as for "essential activities" or to access "essential services". Social distancing guidelines are to be followed at all times. Those in violation would be charged with a misdemeanor and required to serve 30 days in jail and/or pay a $100 fine for each day they are in violation. Retail businesses are required to have no more than 5 customers for every 1,000 square feet of space. All non-essential businesses have been ordered to close.{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 2020-21 |url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-04-06%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-21%20-%20Stay%20at%20Home%20or%20Work%20Order.pdf |website=South Carolina Office of the Governor |access-date=April 8, 2020}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2020/apr/7/henry-mcmaster-south-carolina-governor-issues-stat/|title=South Carolina governor issues statewide 'Home or Work' order over coronavirus crisis|newspaper=The Washington Times|language=en-US|access-date=April 8, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/south-carolina-stay-home-order-rules-explained-coronavirus-covid-19-1496550|title=South Carolina has ordered a statewide stay-at-home order—these are the rules|last=EDT|first=Seren Morris On 4/7/20 at 8:49 AM|date=April 7, 2020|website=Newsweek|language=en|access-date=April 8, 2020}}
• April 19: The Governor announces plans to allow retail stores statewide to reopen on April 21. The Post and Courier reported that "occupancy in each store will be limited to five customers per 1,000 square feet of retail space or 20% occupancy, whichever is less" and "local governments will still be allowed to make their own rules about waterway access." However, the stay-at-home order will remain in place.{{cite web |title=South Carolina governor plans to have retail stores reopen Tuesday |url=https://wset.com/news/coronavirus/south-carolina-governor-plans-to-have-retail-stores-reopen-tuesday |website=WSET |access-date=April 19, 2020 |date=April 19, 2020}}
• April 22: Governor McMaster and Superintendent Spearman announce the closure of schools in South Carolina for the remainder of the school year.{{cite web |last1=Gale |first1=Heather |title=SC schools to stay closed for remainder of the year |url=https://wpde.com/news/local/sc-schools-to-stay-closed-for-remainder-of-the-year |website=WPDE |access-date=April 22, 2020 |date=April 22, 2020}}

• May 4: Governor McMaster lifts the "home or work" order and announces that restaurants are allowed to begin offering outdoor dining in addition to takeout, delivery, and curbside services.{{cite web |title=Gov. McMaster to lift "work-or-home" order May 4, allow outdoor dining |url=http://www.golaurens.com/news/gov-mcmaster-to-lift-work-or-home-order-may-4-allow-outdoor-dining/article_eaeb5d0a-8bea-11ea-9e04-d73caa87da34.html |website=GoLaurens.Com |access-date=May 5, 2020 |language=en |date=May 1, 2020}}
• May 8: Governor McMaster reopens public boat landings and announces that restaurants can have limited indoor dining beginning May 11.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Executive Order No. 2020-36|url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-05-15%20FINAL%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-36%20-%20Additional%20Incremental%20Modification%20of%20Non-Essential%20Business%20Closures.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525184752/https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-05-15%20FINAL%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-36%20-%20Additional%20Incremental%20Modification%20of%20Non-Essential%20Business%20Closures.pdf |archive-date=May 25, 2020 |access-date=|website=South Carolina Office of the Governor}}
• May 18: The Governor announces that athletic facilities such as gyms and close-contact providers, including barber shops and hair salons, may reopen.

• June 11: The Governor announces a new state of emergency, allowing bowling alleys to open immediately with specific safety guidelines, and lifting restrictions on occupancy of retail establishments.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Executive Order No. 2020-40|url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-06-11%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-40%20-%20State%20of%20Emergency.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613133039/https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-06-11%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-40%20-%20State%20of%20Emergency.pdf |archive-date=June 13, 2020 |access-date=|website=South Carolina Office of the Governor}}

• July 11: McMaster announces temporary restrictions for bars and restaurants prohibiting them from selling alcoholic beverages after 11 pm and before 10 am.{{Cite web|last=South Carolina Office of the Governor|date=July 11, 2020|title=Executive order #2020-45|url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-07-11%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-45%20-%20Temporary%20Restrictions%20re%20Alcoholic%20Beverages%20at%20Restaurants%20%26%20Bars.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713172621/https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/2020-07-11%20eFILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-45%20-%20Temporary%20Restrictions%20re%20Alcoholic%20Beverages%20at%20Restaurants%20%26%20Bars.pdf |archive-date=July 13, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

• August 31: The University of South Carolina reported 1,172 cases among students and 9 among employees since August 1.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=COVID-19 Dashboard - Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)|url=https://sc.edu/safety/coronavirus/dashboard/index.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822211322/https://sc.edu/safety/coronavirus/dashboard/index.php |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |access-date=2020-09-02|website=University of South Carolina}}

December 13: South Carolina announced that they will begin to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine soon, and it will be prioritized for healthcare workers and nursing home staffs.{{Cite web|title=COVID-19 vaccine could arrive in South Carolina Monday|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/pfizer-vaccine-south-carolina-arrival/101-1f3a3e2f-21a4-406a-8ad1-52d88dd6fb91|access-date=2020-12-14|website=wltx.com|date=December 13, 2020 |language=en-US}}

• January 28: The first known case of COVID-19 variant from South Africa is detected in South Carolina. The two cases are also the first known cases of South Africa variant in the country.{{Cite web|title=South Carolina Public Health Officials Detect Nation's First Known Cases of the COVID-19 Variant Originally Detected in South Africa {{!}} SCDHEC|url=https://scdhec.gov/news-releases/south-carolina-public-health-officials-detect-nations-first-known-cases-covid-19|access-date=2021-03-17|website=scdhec.gov}}

• February 26: Governor McMaster is lifting the state's rules on approvals for large gatherings, and also lifting restrictions on alcohol sales. Previously, gatherings that have more than 250 people in attendance will require approvals from the state.{{Cite web|title=SC governor lifts pandemic limits on alcohol sales, mass gatherings|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/sc-governor-to-lift-last-call-order-capacity-restrictions-for-large-gatherings/101-a7ec14f1-efe8-48a1-8055-5e32e8acaef6|access-date=2021-03-17|website=wltx.com|date=February 26, 2021 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2021-02-26|title=Gov. McMaster to lift COVID-19 restrictions on mass gatherings, alcohol sales in South Carolina|url=https://www.wjcl.com/article/gov-mcmaster-to-lift-covid-19-restrictions-on-mass-gatherings-alcohol-sales-in-south-carolina/35650608|access-date=2021-03-17|website=WJCL|language=en}}

• March 5: Governor McMaster updated a previous executive order, saying masks are no longer mandatory on restaurants and government buildings.{{Cite web|title='It has become unnecessary': SC governor explains why he lifted limited mask mandate|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/sc-gov-mcmaster-lifted-mask-mandate/101-69000691-cd82-4ed1-a717-0047dc3bac37|access-date=2021-03-17|website=wltx.com|date=March 9, 2021 |language=en-US}} The town of Lexington dropped their face mask requirement in retail spaces.{{Cite web|title=Town of Lexington drops face mask requirement|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/town-of-lexington-suspends-face-mask-ordinance/101-cbb559d9-6cbb-4ee9-952e-0199014ba185|access-date=2021-03-17|website=wltx.com|date=March 6, 2021 |language=en-US}}
• March 8 : Governor McMaster announced today that South Carolina will advance to Phase 1b of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan, allowing anyone above aged 55, frontline workers with increased risk, and people with high-risk disabilities to be vaccinated.{{Cite web|title=South Carolina to Move to Phase 1b of COVID-19 Vaccination Plan on March 8, 2021 {{!}} SCDHEC|url=https://scdhec.gov/news-releases/south-carolina-move-phase-1b-covid-19-vaccination-plan-march-8-2021|access-date=2021-03-15|website=scdhec.gov}}
• March 11: The governor has signed an executive order lowering the status of mask ordinances in restaurants from a requirement to a guideline, allowing some counties to drop the mask requirement for restaurants. North Myrtle Beach is dropping their mask requirement for restaurants.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-11|title=Covid-19 Safety Restrictions Begin to Loosen in South Carolina|url=https://www.wfxb.com/2021/03/11/covid-19-safety-restrictions-begin-to-loosen-in-south-carolina/|access-date=2021-03-17|website=WFXB|language=en-US}}
• March 16: The city of Columbia extends their face mask requirement for 2 months.{{Cite web|title=City of Columbia extends face mask ordinance for 2 more months|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/local/columbia-sc-mask-ordinance-may-2021/101-a560f6ab-b138-4cf7-934e-d1b93f6d6fed|access-date=2021-03-17|website=wltx.com|date=March 16, 2021 |language=en-US}}
• March 26: Governor McMaster announced that all South Carolinians aged 16 and up will become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning on March 31.{{Cite web|date=2021-03-26|title=McMaster: All South Carolinians age 16 and up eligible for COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 31|url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2021/03/26/mcmaster-all-south-carolinians-age-16-and-up-eligible-for-covid-19-vaccine-beginning-march-31/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=ABC Columbia|language=en-US}}

The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina were two women from Charleston County and Kershaw County.{{cite web|last1=Feit|first1=Noah|last2=Daprile|first2=Lucas|last3=Fretwell|first3=Sammy|date=March 6, 2020|title=First potential coronavirus cases under investigation in South Carolina|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article240838221.html|access-date=March 15, 2020|website=thestate.com|publisher=The State}} On April 2, 2020, DHEC announced that the virus had spread to all 46 counties in the state.{{cite web|date=April 2, 2020|title=COVID-19 reported in all 46 counties across SC, 4 cases in Laurens County|url=http://www.golaurens.com/news/covid-19-reported-in-all-46-counties-across-sc-4-cases-in-laurens-county/article_49d8a66c-71f9-11ea-9c94-77636b0c19fd.html|access-date=April 3, 2020|website=GoLaurens.Com|language=en|archive-date=April 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403073653/http://www.golaurens.com/news/covid-19-reported-in-all-46-counties-across-sc-4-cases-in-laurens-county/article_49d8a66c-71f9-11ea-9c94-77636b0c19fd.html|url-status=dead}} Clusters of cases have been linked to assisted living and long-term care facilities as well as other congregate settings, but DHEC initially refused to identify facilities with cases or deaths for privacy reasons.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=April 21, 2020|title=DHEC reveals names of SC nursing homes with COVID-19 infected staff, patients|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article242187276.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200422051256/https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article242187276.html |archive-date=April 22, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} However, DHEC began to report cases and deaths in nursing homes weekly on April 21, 2020, in response to a suit and publicity about the lack of disclosure. On July 10, DHEC reported that cases in young adults since June 1 had increased by 400% with about 22% (11,090) of the 50,458 cases reported to that date affecting 21-30 year olds and 15% affecting people under 20.{{Cite web|last=WYFF news 4|date=July 10, 2020|title=New data in South Carolina shows 400%+ increase in cases of COVID-19 in young adults since June 1|url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/new-data-in-south-carolina-shows-400-increase-in-cases-of-covid-19-in-young-adults-since-june-1/33276642|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715042344/https://www.wyff4.com/article/new-data-in-south-carolina-shows-400-increase-in-cases-of-covid-19-in-young-adults-since-june-1/33276642 |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} DHEC announced the first cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children caused by COVID-19 in two children under the age of ten on July 12.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 12, 2020|title=South Carolina Announces First Confirmed Cases of MIS-C Associated with COVID-19; Daily COVID-19 Update (July 12, 2020)|url=https://scdhec.gov/news-releases/south-carolina-announces-first-confirmed-cases-mis-c-associated-covid-19-daily-covid|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712211844/https://scdhec.gov/news-releases/south-carolina-announces-first-confirmed-cases-mis-c-associated-covid-19-daily-covid |archive-date=July 12, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

According to DHEC, 12% of COVID-19 case have been hospitalized.{{Cite web|last=SCDHEC|date=|title=SC Demographic Data (COVID-19)|url=https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/sc-demographic-data-covid-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415192832/https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/sc-demographic-data-covid-19 |archive-date=April 15, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} On July 12, 2020, acute hospital bed occupancy reached a high of 81% in the Pee Dee region of the state.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Total Hospital Bed Occupancy (COVID-19)|url=https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/hospital-bed-capacity-covid-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421075907/https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/hospital-bed-capacity-covid-19 |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} If there is a surge in COVID-19 patients, the state and the SC National Guard will implement a surge plan to meet the need, but initial steps would include cancelling elective surgeries.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 8, 2020|title=South Carolina currently using 75 percent of its hospital beds as COVID-19 cases increase|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/south-carolina-currently-using-75-percent-of-its-hospital-beds-as-covid-19-cases-increase/101-fc1c61aa-e76d-491d-a4f5-64c9fc0fab61|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}

On March 16, 2020, the first confirmed death in South Carolina from COVID-19, a nursing home patient in Lexington Country was announced.{{cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=State of South Carolina Reports First COVID-19 Related Death|url=https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/state-south-carolina-reports-first-covid-19-related-death|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200316182240/https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/state-south-carolina-reports-first-covid-19-related-death |archive-date=March 16, 2020 |access-date=|website=South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control}}{{cite web|last1=Mallory|first1=Laurel|title=S.C. reports first COVID-19-related death was Lexington Co. nursing home patient|url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/16/sc-reports-first-covid-related-death/|access-date=March 16, 2020|website=wistv.com}} While the largest percentage of cases has been in younger age groups, the highest percentage of deaths has occurred among those over age 65. In addition, as of April 8, 2020, African Americans, who make up 27% of the population, have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 accounting for 46% of deaths{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=April 8, 2020|title=DHEC: 46% of SC coronavirus dead are African Americans, who are just 27% of population|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article241710576.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409141354/https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article241710576.html |archive-date=April 9, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} and by July 12, 2020, this had declined only slightly to 43%

File:South Carolina National Guard directs traffic at Richland County testing site (49945971856).jpg

File:South Carolina National Guard provides tents in support of mobile testing site (49891112911).jpg

South Carolina has been criticized for lagging behind other states in COVID-19 testing and on May 11, 2020, was ranked last for its testing rate per one million people; however, by July 12, it was ranked 35 out of the fifty states and District of Columbia in one ranking{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Worldometer: coronavirus|url=https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309183240/https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/us/ |archive-date=March 9, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=The Greenville News|date=May 12, 2020|title=South Carolina ranks last in the U.S. for its COVID-19 testing|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2020/05/12/south-carolina-ranks-last-u-s-coronavirus-testing-covid-19/3110209001/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}} and 44th out of 50 states trying to reach a minimum level of testing needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.{{Cite web|last=The New York Times|date=July 12, 2020|title=Is Your State Doing Enough Coronavirus Testing?|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-testing.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710102653/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-testing.html |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |access-date=|website=The New York Times}} On May 11, 2020, DHEC initiated a plan to test all nursing home residents and staff for COVID-19 by the end of the month. Current testing includes approximately 25% by the Public Health Laboratory and additional testing implemented by private laboratories{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=SC Testing Data & Projections (COVID-19)|url=https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/sc-testing-data-projections-covid-19|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414132622/https://scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/sc-testing-data-projections-covid-19 |archive-date=April 14, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

DHEC has worked to increase staffing for contact tracing of COVID-19 positive cases expanding from 20 to almost 2,000 contact tracers in mid-May and roughly 5,000 by the start of July.{{Cite web|last=ABC Columbia|date=May 13, 2020|title=DHEC's expanded use of contact tracing in South Carolina could go digital|url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2020/05/13/dhecs-expanded-use-of-contact-tracing-in-south-carolina-could-go-digital/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521061204/https://www.abccolumbia.com/2020/05/13/dhecs-expanded-use-of-contact-tracing-in-south-carolina-could-go-digital/ |archive-date=May 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=News 13|date=July 1, 2020|title=South Carolina's rise in coronavirus cases 'severely hampering' contact tracing|url=https://www.wbtw.com/health/coronavirus/south-carolinas-rise-in-coronavirus-cases-severely-hampering-contact-tracing/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710184044/https://www.wbtw.com/health/coronavirus/south-carolinas-rise-in-coronavirus-cases-severely-hampering-contact-tracing/ |archive-date=July 10, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} However, the increase in cases in July has led to concern that contact tracing efforts will be overwhelmed.

Models that project the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Caroling are used by the DHEC to forecast resource needs. Initial models suggested that South Carolina would reach its peak in COVID-19 cases in April, with 680 deaths estimated by August 4.{{Cite web|last=The Greenville News|date=April 19, 2020|title=SC has already peaked in death rate and hospital demand, new coronavirus projections show|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2020/04/19/coronavirus-pandemic-has-peaked-south-carolina-new-projections-show/5161620002/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}} DHEC shares current state-level models from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington (the IHME model).{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=COVID-19 projections: South Carolina|url=https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/south-carolina|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407195010/https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/south-carolina |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} These can be compared with state-level models and projections by other organizations outside the state including the Covid ActNow projections and the forecasts of total deaths and total hospitalizations received and compiled by the Centers for Disease Control.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=Covid ActNow: South Carolina|url=https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/south-carolina|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407195010/https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america/south-carolina |archive-date=April 7, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=February 11, 2020|title=COVID-19 Mathematical Modeling|url=https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/mathematical-modeling.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200602184950/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/covid-data/mathematical-modeling.html |archive-date=June 2, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} As of July 15, a model from independent researchers at Pandemic Central provides daily new case projections for counties in South Carolina and elsewhere.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=15 July 2020|title=County-level COVID-19 Projections|url=https://itsonit.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716024744/https://itsonit.com/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=|website=Pandemic Central}}

In April 2020, South Carolina received $1.9 billion in federal relief funds from the CARES Act.{{Cite web|last=The Post and Courier|date=June 24, 2020|title=SC lawmakers allocate $1.2 billion in COVID-19 aid, mostly for jobless benefits and schools|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/health/covid19/sc-lawmakers-allocate-1-2-billion-in-covid-19-aid-mostly-for-jobless-benefits-and/article_88dad2a6-b630-11ea-bbd1-a76cb0d26cd4.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626045636/https://www.postandcourier.com/health/covid19/sc-lawmakers-allocate-1-2-billion-in-covid-19-aid-mostly-for-jobless-benefits-and/article_88dad2a6-b630-11ea-bbd1-a76cb0d26cd4.html |archive-date=June 26, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} From this amount, $1.2 billion was allocated most of the funds have been allocated for jobless benefits and for schools, including extending broadband to rural communities to improve internet access. By mid May, almost half a million people had applied for unemployment benefits since mid-March when the pandemic began in South Carolina.{{Cite web|last=The State|date=May 14, 2020|title=May starts with 32,000-plus people filing for unemployment in SC during coronavirus|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/business/article242730791.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601092352/https://www.thestate.com/news/business/article242730791.html |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} In the first week of July, 198,318 people continued to seek unemployment benefits.{{Cite web|last=Post and Courier|date=July 16, 2020|title=Unemployment numbers show SC has not fully recovered its pre-pandemic economy|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/business/unemployment-numbers-show-sc-has-not-fully-recovered-its-pre-pandemic-economy/article_0a571a82-c75d-11ea-aa5a-93fbb8f334a4.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717060704/https://www.postandcourier.com/business/unemployment-numbers-show-sc-has-not-fully-recovered-its-pre-pandemic-economy/article_0a571a82-c75d-11ea-aa5a-93fbb8f334a4.html |archive-date=July 17, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} On July 31, the extra $600 per week in federal unemployment assistance is slated to end, reducing the unemployment amount to $326 per week or less.

In late April, McMaster established the accelerateSC task force to assess and recommend economic revitalization plans for South Carolina during the pandemic.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=accelerateSC: SC's COVID-19 Response|url=https://accelerate.sc.gov/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200506075440/https://accelerate.sc.gov/ |archive-date=May 6, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=May 29, 2020|title=This is how South Carolina will move forward on reopening the economy|url=https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/SC-governor-leaders-gather-for-final-accelerateSC-task-force-meeting-570858721.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607102339/https://www.wrdw.com/content/news/SC-governor-leaders-gather-for-final-accelerateSC-task-force-meeting-570858721.html |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=US News|date=April 20, 2020|title=SC Gov Rolls Out Plans for Post-Outbreak Economic Reopening|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2020-04-20/sc-gov-rolls-out-plans-for-post-outbreak-economic-reopening|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421095756/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-carolina/articles/2020-04-20/sc-gov-rolls-out-plans-for-post-outbreak-economic-reopening |archive-date=April 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} The task force's final report was issued on May 28, 2020.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=May 28, 2020|title=accelerateSC: final report and recommendations|url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/accelerateSC%20Final%20Report.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200601170135/https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/accelerateSC%20Final%20Report.pdf |archive-date=June 1, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} The report contains 42 recommendations including using federal aid for the state unemployment trust fund, for expanding internet broadband access, to add five days of school for K-8 education, and for health care costs.{{Cite web|last=Greenville News|date=May 28, 2020|title=A day after 20 COVID-19 deaths, Gov. McMaster says SC is charting proper path for pandemic|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2020/05/28/mcmaster-defends-handling-pandemic-day-after-20-covid-19-deaths/5278549002/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}

On March 15, McMaster announced the closure of all public schools in the state until March 31.{{cite web|last1=Ablon|first1=Matthew|date=March 15, 2020|title=SC governor shuts down all public schools until March 31 to combat spread of coronavirus|url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/coronavirus/sc-governor-shuts-down-all-public-schools-until-march-to/article_610dca74-66fa-11ea-a3b1-4b468e5adf2d.html|access-date=March 15, 2020|website=FOX Carolina|language=en}} This was extended through the end of April,{{cite web|date=March 24, 2020|title=SC schools to remain closed through April|url=http://www.golaurens.com/news/sc-schools-to-remain-closed-through-april/article_2deb289e-6e02-11ea-a60b-abceb632d77b.html|access-date=March 24, 2020|website=GoLaurens.Com|language=en}}{{cite web|date=March 24, 2020|title=South Carolina schools will remain closed until the end of April, governor says|url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/south-carolina-schools-will-remain-closed-until-the-end-of-april-governor-says/31916572|access-date=March 24, 2020|website=WYFF|language=en}} and on April 22, McMaster and Superintendent Spearman announced the closure of schools in South Carolina for the remainder of the school year.{{cite web|last1=Gale|first1=Heather|date=April 22, 2020|title=SC schools to stay closed for remainder of the year|url=https://wpde.com/news/local/sc-schools-to-stay-closed-for-remainder-of-the-year|access-date=April 22, 2020|website=WPDE}}

In order to advise the SC Department of Education and make recommendations about how to best meet the needs of students during the COVID-19 pandemic in SC, Spearman established a task force, AccelerateEd, composed of educators and administrators representing different facets of the K–12 public education system.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=AccelerateEd Task Force|url=https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/covid-19-coronavirus-and-south-carolina-schools/accelerateed-task-force/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501203901/https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/covid-19-coronavirus-and-south-carolina-schools/accelerateed-task-force/ |archive-date=May 1, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} AccelerateEd released their recommendations regarding the 2020–2021 school year on June 22, 2020.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=June 22, 2020|title=AccelerateED Task Force: Guidance and Recommendations for 2020–21 School Year|url=https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/covid-19-coronavirus-and-south-carolina-schools/accelerateed-task-force/accelerateed-task-force-fall-recommendation-final/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623105409/https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/covid-19-coronavirus-and-south-carolina-schools/accelerateed-task-force/accelerateed-task-force-fall-recommendation-final/ |archive-date=June 23, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} The report contains guidelines and models for reopening, as well as the recommendation to follow best practices for health and safety recommended by DHEC and the CDC.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=June 19, 2020|title=Educators finalize recommendations to reopen South Carolina schools this fall|url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2020/06/19/educators-finalize-recommendations-to-reopen-south-carolina-schools-this-fall/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621141254/https://www.abccolumbia.com/2020/06/19/educators-finalize-recommendations-to-reopen-south-carolina-schools-this-fall/ |archive-date=June 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 16, 2020|title=Accelerate Ed recommendations suggest three models to return to school this fall|url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/education/accelerate-ed-recommendations-suggest-three-models-to-return-to-school-this-fall/101-3552369e-a6c8-4bd7-9d0c-e6bfe125a1ff|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}} On July 15, McMaster argued that school districts should re-open for in-person instruction the day after Labor Day.{{Cite web|last=The State|date=July 15, 2020|title=Gov. McMaster urges SC schools to reopen with COVID-19 precautions after Labor Day|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article244239432.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716115141/https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article244239432.html |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} However, Spearman stated that "School leaders, in consultation with public health experts, are best positioned to determine how in-person operations should be carried out to fit the needs of their local communities",{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 15, 2020|title=SC state superintendent disagrees with governor on plan to reopen schools|url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/07/15/sc-state-superintendent-disagrees-with-governor-plan-reopen-schools/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716122448/https://www.wistv.com/2020/07/15/sc-state-superintendent-disagrees-with-governor-plan-reopen-schools/ |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} and teachers also expressed concern about re-opening in person.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 13, 2020|title=Teachers' groups express concern about reopening schools in letter to SC governor|url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/07/13/teachers-groups-express-concern-about-reopening-schools-letter-sc-governor/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713195229/https://www.wistv.com/2020/07/13/teachers-groups-express-concern-about-reopening-schools-letter-sc-governor/ |archive-date=July 13, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=Greenville Journal|date=July 15, 2020|title=Greenville County Schools 'incredibly concerned' over governor's comments on reopening schools|url=https://greenvillejournal.com/news/greenville-county-schools-incredibly-concerned-governor-mcmaster-comments-reopening-schools/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721161743/https://greenvillejournal.com/news/greenville-county-schools-incredibly-concerned-governor-mcmaster-comments-reopening-schools/ |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

On July 20, McMaster announced that private K-12 schools will get $32 million (out of $48.5 million) in federal COVID-19 aid from the governor's discretionary education account to assist low income families with tuition.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 20, 2020|title=SC private schools to get $32 million in tuition grants for families during COVID-19|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article244341497.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200720170203/https://www.thestate.com/news/coronavirus/article244341497.html |archive-date=July 20, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} The Palmetto State Teachers Association and the teachers group SC For Ed both responded that they were disappointed in McMaster's decision and think that the funds would be better put to use to support public schools in South Carolina since they are currently facing significant challenges during the pandemic.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 20, 2020|title=Education advocacy group disappointed by McMaster announcement on private school grants|url=https://www.live5news.com/2020/07/20/education-advocacy-group-disappointed-by-mcmaster-announcement/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721171616/https://www.live5news.com/2020/07/20/education-advocacy-group-disappointed-by-mcmaster-announcement/ |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 20, 2020|title=SC teacher, school associations respond to McMaster's SAFE Grants Education Program to help private school students in SC|url=https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/sc-teacher-school-associations-respond-to-mcmasters-safe-grants-education-program-to-help-private-school/article_b8ce31fa-ca6d-11ea-b30e-6f53b440f77e.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721162933/https://www.foxcarolina.com/news/sc-teacher-school-associations-respond-to-mcmasters-safe-grants-education-program-to-help-private-school/article_b8ce31fa-ca6d-11ea-b30e-6f53b440f77e.html |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

On July 22, Orangeburg County Circuit Court Judge Dickson temporarily blocked McMaster's plan to allocate $32 million in funding for private education pending court arguments.{{Cite web|last=Post and Courier|date=July 22, 2020|title=SC judge temporarily blocks Gov. McMaster's decision to fund private school vouchers|url=https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/sc-judge-temporarily-blocks-gov-mcmasters-decision-to-fund-private-school-vouchers/article_c00eb4b6-cc3a-11ea-878e-a7a34f124a2b.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724082141/https://www.postandcourier.com/politics/sc-judge-temporarily-blocks-gov-mcmasters-decision-to-fund-private-school-vouchers/article_c00eb4b6-cc3a-11ea-878e-a7a34f124a2b.html |archive-date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

On March 19, the governor ordered all public colleges and universities in the state to finish their semesters online.{{cite web|title=Executive Order No. 2020-11|url=https://governor.sc.gov/sites/default/files/Documents/Executive-Orders/2020-03-19%20FILED%20Executive%20Order%20No.%202020-11%20-%20Additional%20Emergency%20Measures%20%26%20Regulatory%20Relief%20re%20COVID-19.pdf|access-date=March 19, 2020|website=South Carolina Office of the Governor}}{{cite web|title=Governor's Update on Coronavirus (COVID-19) March 19, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FH-EOGBEzWI|access-date=March 19, 2020|website=YouTube}}{{cite web|last1=Mallory|first1=Laurel|date=March 19, 2020|title=S.C. governor asks colleges to complete semester online as 21 more COVID-19 cases reported|url=https://www.wistv.com/2020/03/19/sc-governor-asks-colleges-complete-semester-online-more-covid-cases-reported/|access-date=March 20, 2020|website=wistv.com}}

In May, the University of South Carolina announced that teaching would be in person in the fall but that fall break would be cancelled and learning would be online after Thanksgiving.{{Cite news|last=The Washington Post|date=May 18, 2020|title=University of South Carolina's answer to fall dilemma due to the virus: Open in person but go remote after Thanksgiving|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/05/18/university-south-carolinas-answer-fall-dilemma-due-virus-open-person-go-remote-after-thanksgiving/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526190957/https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2020/05/18/university-south-carolinas-answer-fall-dilemma-due-virus-open-person-go-remote-after-thanksgiving/ |archive-date=May 26, 2020 |access-date=|newspaper=The Washington Post}} Clemson University announced that they will reopen for in-person learning this fall with all students and staff required to be tested for COVID-19 within five days prior to arriving on campus.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=July 14, 2020|title=Clemson University releases reopening plan for Fall semester|url=https://www.wspa.com/news/school/clemson-university-releases-reopening-plan-for-fall-semester/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722045953/https://www.wspa.com/news/school/clemson-university-releases-reopening-plan-for-fall-semester/ |archive-date=July 22, 2020 |access-date=|website=}}

Universities and colleges in South Carolina will receive over $100 million from the CARES Act stimulus package.{{Cite web|last=Greenville News|date=April 10, 2020|title=SC colleges, universities to receive millions of dollars from coronavirus stimulus bill|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/2020/04/10/coronavirus-sc-universities-receive-millions-dollars-cares-act/5126092002/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=May 29, 2020|title=Money colleges, universities getting from CARES Act won't cover losses from pandemic|url=https://www.live5news.com/2020/05/29/money-colleges-universities-getting-cares-act-wont-cover-losses-pandemic/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200607043243/https://www.live5news.com/2020/05/29/money-colleges-universities-getting-cares-act-wont-cover-losses-pandemic/ |archive-date=June 7, 2020 |access-date=|website=}} The funds are to cover costs such as refunds to students and other costs related to the pandemic, and at least half of the funding must be distributed directly to students. McMaster announced that the eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities in South Carolina would be allocated $2.4 million to enhance online learning from the Governor's Emergency Education Relief (GEER) fund.{{Cite web|last=Greenville News|date=July 11, 2020|title=SC HBCUs to get $2.4 million in COVID relief from Gov. Henry McMaster's office|url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/2020/07/11/south-carolina-hbcus-get-covid-19-aid-gov-henry-mcmaster/5419805002/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=|website=}}

Betsy DeVos has told public school districts that they wouldn't receive federal money unless schools are fully reopened for the 2020–21 school year. In early September a 28 year old elementary school teacher died in Columbia, South Carolina from COVID-19 related complications. Contact tracing procedures were initiated to notify three other employees, but because her classroom was virtual, she had not had close contact with any students.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/sep/10/teacher-28-dies-covid-19-schools-reopening-south-carolina|title=Teacher, 28, dies of Covid-19 as US schools prepare for return to classrooms|first=Victoria|last=Bekiempis|date=September 10, 2020|via=www.theguardian.com}}

In college sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association cancelled all winter and spring tournaments, most notably the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, affecting colleges and universities statewide.[https://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/ncaa-cancels-remaining-winter-and-spring-championships NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships] NCAA, March 12, 2020 This affected South Carolina especially, as the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville was set to host first and second-round games in the women's tournament.{{cite web|last1=Fair|first1=Jim|date=April 18, 2017|title=Greenville selected to host NCAA men and women basketball tournaments|url=http://greertoday.com/greer-sc/greenville-selected-to-host-ncaa-men-and-women-basketball-tournaments/2017/04/18/|access-date=March 23, 2020|website=GreerToday.com}} On March 16, the National Junior College Athletic Association also canceled the remainder of the winter seasons as well as the spring seasons.[https://www.mlive.com/sports/2020/03/njcaa-cancels-spring-sports-basketball-nationals-amid-coronavirus-outbreak.html NJCAA cancels spring sports, basketball nationals amid coronavirus outbreak] MLive.com, March 16, 2020

On May 17, NASCAR returned to action with a series of races in the national series all held behind closed doors at Darlington Raceway in the Florence metropolitan market, with The Real Heroes 400 and Toyota 500km. The events were the first major motorsport events to be held in the country after the pandemic pause.

The monitoring and testing of COVID-19 in South Carolina per the Department of Health and Environmental Control is as follows with data reported on December 27, 2020:

{{notelist|group=testing}}

• Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
• COVID-19 pandemic in the United States for impact on the country
• COVID-19 pandemic for impact on other countries

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• [https://scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19 Coronavirus information] from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control

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South Carolina

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Category:Disasters in South Carolina

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