CDC

The listeria outbreak associated with recalled Boar’s Head deli meats has resulted in 43 hospitalizations and three deaths across 13 states as of Aug. 8.

Life expectancy in South Carolina in 2022 was lower than in 82% of the U.S., according to the newest data released by the Centers for Disease Control.

South Carolina ranks high among states in rates of gun violence and total gun deaths in 2020. For African-Americans, the rate of gun deaths was twice that of white residents.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for August 21, 2021, we look at the current COVID-19 situation in the state, including the debate over masks in schools, the latest case numbers, vaccination recommendations for pregnant women, and much more.

At the time South Carolina residents Jamal and Cierra Chubb were expecting their third child, information on pregnant women getting vaccinated had not yet been released. Just two weeks before their baby was to be born this month, Cierra caught COVID-19.

As South Carolina battles an unchecked rise in COVID-19 cases spurred on by the delta variant and dwindling demand for vaccines, state health officials are urging people to follow new federal guidance on wearing masks indoors.

South Carolina education officials say they can't follow updated federal guidelines recommending indoor mask use at schools nationwide, even for vaccinated students. Legislation that went into effect July 1 prohibits school districts in South Carolina from using appropriated funds "to require that its students and/or employees wear a face mask." The measure was backed by Gov. Henry McMaster.