coronavirus

The COVID-19 vaccine is here. But you might be confused about when you can get it or how.

So let’s break it down.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 12, 2021, we look at the top issues state lawmakers will be prioritizing this session, hear what business leaders want to see accomplished at the State House, learn about efforts to get more South Carolinians vaccinated, and more.

Even with vaccinations happening, many hospitals are full again with COVID-19 patients.  And these hospitals are finding themselves once again nervous about potential shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE).  All of this is keeping our next guest’s company very busy.

Mike Switzer interviews Lance Brown, CEO of Rhino Medical Supply in Columbia, SC.

Many small businesses are looking at 2020 as a lost year and at 2021 as the rebound year.  And our next guest’s organization, which was very busy with relief efforts last year is hoping to be very busy this year providing the normal assistance they have available to the small business community every year.

Mike Switzer interviews Gregg White, director of the South Carolina district of the US Small Business Administration.

After many months of social distancing, hand washing and mask wearing and at least a few months more to go, we are beginning to see light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel.  However, many experts believe the pandemic will likely cause permanent changes in our lives, our psyches, and in the way we conduct business going forward.

Mike Switzer interviews Melissa Bane, a certified financial planner with Greenwood Capital in Greenwood, SC.

This episode of the South Carolina Lede for January 5, 2021, features an update on Gov. Henry McMaster's bout with COVID-19, a look at the federal relief funds flowing to small businesses and schools in the Palmetto State, details from DHEC officials about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, and more.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Dr. Christine Holmstedt about possible signs of stroke and the importance of seeking prompt expert care for stroke during the pandemic.  Dr. Holmstedt is a Professor of Neurology and Director of Clinical Stroke Services at MUSC. 

Transcript (PDF) available upon request.

This week Bobbi Conner talks with Erik Modrzynski about the design and development of small, portable COVID-19 testing pods that will be used for walk-up testing at clinical sites throughout SC. Erik Modrzynski is the Ambulatory Environmental Health and Safety and Emergency manager at MUSC.

Transcript (PDF) available upon request.

On this special episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 22, 2020, host Gavin Jackson and producer A.T. Shire discuss their holiday plans, look back on the year with a special guest, listen to your voicemails and much more!

This episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 20, 2020, features: a remembrance of South Carolina political heavyweight Don Fowler, who passed away this week; an update on the state's economic recovery; perspective from frontline workers at Prisma Health on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout; and more.

A gaggle of journalists gathers around a tent outside the  Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.  With cameras, cords and microphones flailing, a curious hawk perched upon a nearby rooftop peers down at the crowd.

Inside the tent on this cold December day, 34-year-old Shemika Champion appears calm, even though a flurry of flashes surrounds her as a needle protrudes about an inch away from her arm.

"I'm just saying a little prayer to myself and getting ready," says Champion. 

A Lowcountry First

The pediatric nurse volunteered to become the first front-line health care worker in the Lowcountry to get the newly approved Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine.  The hospital's initial shipment arrived just two hours ago.

Champion sits still as her exposed upper arm is swabbed.  On the count of three, the onlookers lean in as the vaccine slowly plunges, into her skin.  Like a champion, she doesn't flinch.  There's a huge applause.

"I can't stop smiling about it," she gushes afterwards.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 15, 2020, we bring you all the action from the South Carolina Electoral College meeting in Columbia on Monday, take a look at the COVID-19 vaccine rollout process as the first shipments of the Pfizer vaccine reach the Palmetto State, speak with a University of South Carolina Law professor on his new book tracing the history of education in the country, and much more.

On this episode of the South Carolina Lede for December 12, 2020, we hear from Gov. Henry McMaster, State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell, and other state officials about rising COVID-19 numbers, the dire situation the state is in, and the latest on the vaccine. Also on this episode: State Rep. Chris Murphy talks to us about what his priorities are for the House Judiciary Committee next session; we hear from Vice President Mike Pence and other officials about COVID-19 vaccine rollout in the Palmetto State; and more.