DHEC reports over 12000 new COVID-19 cases, 8 new deaths

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported over 12,000 new COVID-19 cases and eight deaths related to the virus from Aug.7-13.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 12,726

Total cases in S.C.: 1,650,748

New deaths reported: 8

Total deaths in S.C.: 18,227

Percent of ICU beds filled (with COVID-19 and other patients): 62.5 percent

Percent positive: 21.3 percent

S.C. residents vaccinated

In South Carolina, 60.8 percent of people who are eligible for the vaccine have received at least one dose, and 52.7 percent of eligible residents are considered fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

These numbers reflect all eligible residents, including young children. The latest data from DHEC shows 22.4 percent of children ages 5-11 have at least one vaccine dose and 2.4 percent under age 5 had received a shot.

Hospitalizations

Of the 590 COVID-19 patients hospitalized as of Aug. 13, 80 were in the ICU and 27 were using ventilators.

What do experts say?

State health officials continue to urge parents to get children ages 6 months and above vaccinated against COVID-19. 

“There is no better time than now for children to get their COVID-19 vaccination so they can focus 100 percent on school and not worry about missing days or having their schedules altered,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, the state’s public health director.