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Grand Strand hospitals seeing major slowdown in vaccine demand
More than 1.7 million South Carolinians have at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to DHEC data.
DHEC prepares for expected Pfizer vaccine approval for children ages 12-15
Pfizer says they saw 100% efficacy in preventing symptomatic infections during clinical trials.
CMS policy change: No more than two guests allowed for students’ end-of-year shows
Schools with preapproved student performances, including dance, theater, orchestra and band, will allow no more than one to two guests (parent/guardian) per participant.
S.C. reps express ‘great concern’ over mask requirement in schools
The letter begins “We write to you with great concern over students in South Carolina schools being forced to wear masks.”
MOST RECENT
DHEC: S.C. registers 456 new COVID-19 cases, 11 additional deaths
The latest data on the virus was released Sunday.
Wedding, event coordinators big winners as mass gathering limits increase in N.C.
As of Friday, mass gathering limits can increase from 50 to 100 people indoors and 100 to 200 people outdoors.
DHEC: S.C. registers 660 new COVID-19 cases, 8 additional deaths
The latest data on the virus was released Saturday.
Governor McMaster’s mask comments spark another debate about masks in schools
The State Department of Education actually requires school districts to have students and visitors use masks within the schools and on buses.
DHEC: S.C. registers 570 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Friday afternoon.
COVID-19 immunity in S.C. estimated to be 65%, according to MUSC research
For Georgetown, Horry and Williamsburg counties, the research estimates that more than two-thirds of residents have immunity to COVID-19.
Mayor Bethune extends Myrtle Beach’s COVID-19 civil emergency declaration
Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune is extending the city’s COVID-19 civil emergency declaration through the month of May, city leaders said.
S.C. deputy awarded with Medal of Valor for saving life of infant struggling with COVID-19
The infant was able to go home to Chesterfield County and recover thanks to the deputy’s life-saving measures.
DHEC: S.C. registers 430 new COVID-19 cases, 20 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Thursday afternoon.
McMaster on mask requirement in schools: ‘It’s a height of ridiculosity’
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster is weighing in on whether school districts should continue to require students to wear masks in the classroom.
DHEC: S.C. registers 403 new COVID-19 cases, 28 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Wednesday afternoon.
Another billboard demanding schools make masks optional goes up in Chapin
Some parents hope the superintendent of LR5 sees it and changes the mandatory mask policy.
DHEC: S.C. registers 307 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Tuesday afternoon.
Nearly 100 residents raise concerns about proposed Tidelands Health hospital in Socastee area
Nearly 100 people showed up to a community meeting at the South Strand Recreation Center Monday night to voice their concerns about a proposed hospital near the neighborhood.
Charleston County demonstrators protest mandatory school mask rule
A group of parents and community members demanded an end of a mandatory mask rule in schools.
DHEC: S.C. registers 362 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Monday afternoon.
DHEC: S.C. registers 424 new COVID-19 cases, 16 additional deaths
State health officials released the latest data on the virus Sunday.
Horry County pharmacies resume use of Johnson & Johnson vaccine after pause
The CDC and FDA both gave the green light to resume J&J vaccinations on Friday.
DHEC: S.C. registers 511 new COVID-19 cases, 10 additional deaths
State health officials released the latest data on the virus Saturday.
Georgetown County reverend sees prayer answered with J&J vaccine recommended again
The single-dose shot is a favorite of a Georgetown County reverend and S.C. state representative for district 103. He waited to get it himself.
NCDHHS recommending Johnson & Johnson vaccine distribution resumes
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that providers in the state resume administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine now that the CDC and FDA have reaffirmed its safety.
DHEC says vaccine providers can now administer J&J vaccine
Officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said Friday night that state providers can now administer the Johnson and Johnson vaccine after the CDC and FDA lifted a pause on the use of the vaccine.
DHEC exploring data on who’s not getting vaccinated in SC, changes views on walk-in clinics
DHEC officials spoke Friday about how demand statewide is slowing down, but supply is now stable.
Prescription drug use for mental health up 12% in S.C., study shows
Many South Carolinians are turning to prescription drugs for mental health.
CDC investigating Oregon woman’s death after J&J vaccine
Oregon health authorities say federal officials are investigating the death of a woman in her 50s who developed a blood clot and low platelets within two weeks of receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Conway Medical Center clinic for COVID-19 vaccine to begin accepting walk-ins
Officials said current appointments for first and second doses will also be honored.
DHEC: S.C. registers 408 new COVID-19 cases, 19 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Thursday afternoon.
Registration open for free mental health awareness event
Registration is open for a free mental health awareness event in Myrtle Beach.
Gov. Cooper plans to lift social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1
Gov. Roy Cooper anticipates being able to lift mandatory social distancing, capacity and mass gathering restrictions by June 1. Cooper made the announcement Wednesday.
DHEC: S.C. registers 391 new COVID-19 cases, 11 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Wednesday afternoon.
DHEC: S.C. registers 362 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Tuesday afternoon.
HCS superintendent addresses plexiglass installations, concerns over virtual school deadline
Plexiglass is expected to be installed at all 55 schools in Horry County on Monday night, according to the Horry County Schools superintendent.
Over 2,000 HCS teachers, staff receive COVID-19 vaccinations, leaders say
Leaders at Horry County Schools provided an update on the number of teachers and staff who opted to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Otters at Georgia Aquarium come down with COVID-19
Otters at the Georgia Aquarium are in quarantine.
DHEC: S.C. registers 518 new COVID-19 cases, 13 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Monday afternoon.
Georgetown Co. has state’s top COVID-19 vaccination rate
Georgetown County now leads South Carolina in its of COVID-19 vaccination of eligible residents, according to officials with Tidelands Health.
SC governor, first lady receive COVID-19 vaccines
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and his wife received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccine Monday.
85-year-old woman was one of 22 who ‘mistakenly’ received saline shot at N.C. Walgreens
Several people mistakenly received a saline injection instead of the COVID-19 vaccine at a Walgreens in Monroe, North Carolina.
Horry Co. family hopes churches become more autism-friendly
Families with autistic children are hoping to raise awareness with the help of churches.
DHEC: S.C. registers 577 new COVID-19 cases, 14 additional deaths
State health officials released the latest data on the virus Sunday.
DHEC: S.C. registers 616 new COVID-19 cases, 12 additional deaths
State health officials released the latest data on the virus Saturday.
‘We almost didn’t survive:’ Grand Strand barbershop, salon owners reflect on COVID-19 shutdown
Through it all, it’s their local clientele and customers that are helping them bounce back so quickly in 2021.
‘Clusters’ of hospitals in SC seeing an uptick in COVID-19 patients while vaccine demand declines
Two trends are concerning officials and doctors at Lexington Medical Center: an increase in patients with COVID-19 and a decrease in demand for the COVID-19 at their clinic.
Doctors, DHEC fight vaccine hesitancy following Johnson & Johnson vaccine pause
One doctor said the pause is a sign that the system is working.
DHEC: S.C. registers 847 new COVID-19 cases, 2 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Friday afternoon.
FBI warns against making or buying fake COVID-19 vaccination cards
If you either make or purchase a fake COVID-19 vaccination record card, the FBI warns, you could be breaking the law.
Teachers call for law that protects against having to teach virtual and in-person simultaneously
Teachers call for law that protects against having to teach virtual and in-person simultaneously
Conway Medical Center hosting walk-in COVID-19 vaccine clinic next week
The clinic will be held on Monday, according to officials.
DHEC: S.C. registers 466 new COVID-19 cases, 15 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Thursday afternoon.
DHEC names new director of public health
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has selected Dr. Brannon Traxler to serve as the agency’s director of public health.
Federal panel wants to understand risks-benefits before recommending future for J&J vaccine rollout
After reviewing the evidence available at this time, a federal advisory panel said Wednesday they won’t be making a decision yet on who the Johnson & Johnson vaccine should be recommended for.
Q & A: What’s going on with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in S.C.?
Nick Davidson, DHEC’s senior deputy for public health, spoke one-on-one with WMBF about what kind of impact the state foresees with this pause in the rollout of this vaccine.
DHEC: S.C. registers 466 new COVID-19 cases, 15 additional deaths
The updated figures were released Wednesday afternoon.
Hartsville extends face mask ordinance
Leaders voted to extend Hartsville’s face mask ordinance during a city council meeting Tuesday.
‘Young, healthy’ South Mississippi man suffers stroke hours after receiving J&J vaccine
When the news broke about the pause of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine Tuesday, one Coast family was already living with a tragedy they believe was caused by the vaccine.
Tidelands Health partners with Georgetown NAACP to encourage COVID-19 vaccination
The Georgetown NAACP hopes a grassroots approach to community outreach and a partnership with Tidelands Health will convince people to make their COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
S.C. doctors say Johnson & Johnson pause done out of abundance of caution
Health leaders from across the Grand Strand and Lowcountry gathered virtually to address pressing questions from the public on the concerns surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine.
‘An unfortunate event’: Grand Strand pharmacies halt J&J vaccinations following CDC recommendation
Independent pharmacies along the Grand Strand had to stop giving out doses of the vaccine Tuesday.