Schools Return with Uptick in COVID-19 Cases

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Local school districts saw some spike in COVID cases when school resumed on Monday, but in most cases the numbers were lower than the same return to school day in January 2021.

Anderson School Dist. 1 reported 57 students in quarantine and 38 testing positive for the virus (26 students and 12 staff). Some were still isolating from a positive test over the break. 

Anderson School Dist. 5, the county's largest district, reported 107 staff absences and 65 students due to the virus, but were able to fill the vacant slots. Last January, the district saw 170 call out from virus-related illnesses when school resumed after the holidays.

Anderson School Dist. 4 reported 13 absences, which included four teachers out sick as school resumed.

Anderson School Dist. 3 reported eight staff members and 15 students out with the virus.

Anderson School Dist. 2 reported four teachers out, and all expected to return this week.

All five districts are following the new state guidelines, which require five days of isolation after a postive COVID-19 test, and which all them to return to school after five days if no fever is present for 24 hours, wiht the caveat that they will be required to wear a mask an additional five days unless actively eating, drinking, or participating in physical activity.

Wellington Sports Over and Under Project Nears Completion

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Brock Elder and Walter Lanier update work at Wellington Park on the Over and Under Initiative sports facility. Since this interview, more progress has been made and a grand opening event should be announced later this month.

Podcast: Happy 2022 Looking Ahead, Looking Back

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Interviews/Sound clips:

Gracie Floyd

Brock Elder/Walter Lanier,  Wellinton Project

Ko Anderson, Reconciliation, Equal Justice Initiative

David Phillips, Hope Missions of the Upstate

Rusty Burns, Anderson County 2021 in Review

Terence Roberys, City of Anderson, Year in Review

Don Chapman, Candidate for S.C. House Dist. 8

Legislative Delegation to Speak at Thursday Chamber Event

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson County Legislative Delegation will be featured at the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce Toasts 'N Topics meeting Thursday from 7:30-9 a.m. at Tucker's Restaurant in Anderson.

The annual Chamber event event allows local state lawmakers to outline their upcoming legislative gameplan for 2022.

Tickets available here.

S.C. Hits Single-Day Record for COVID-19; County Sees Surge

Observer and Wire Reports

South Carolina's health department reported Friday a record-high number of nearly 9,000 COVID-19 cases in one day. Meanwhile cases in Anderson County are up more than 45 percent in the past seven days, with more than 650 cases reported for the week period ending Dec. 29.  

As of Friday, 66 were hospitalized at AnMed due to the virus, 82 percent of whom were unvaccinated.

The record-shattering 8,882 cases confirmed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control comes less than a year after the state marked its previous high of 7,686 cases in early 2021. 

“I think January's going to be a very difficult month for South Carolina,” Department Director Dr. Edward Simmer said during a Friday news conference.

The real number of statewide cases is likely higher, because the state isn't tracking positive results from rapid at-home tests per federal guidance, Public Health Director Dr. Brannon Traxler said.

The health agency reminded people that wearing a mask and getting vaccinated are still the best ways to stay protected against the virus as the highly contagious omicron variant spreads throughout the state and that few other treatment options are available.

Unlike during last winter's peak, the state now has ample vaccine supplies: “We have the way out of this crisis,” Simmer said.

Only 38 percent in Anderson County are fully vaccinated, well below the statewide mark of 52 percent and the nationwide 63 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That data doesn't include booster shots information.

Although the state is seeing the most cases in younger people who are more likely to have less severe symptoms, Simmer reminded people that the omicron variant can still cause severe disease and death. The state has seen significant rises in the number of people hospitalized and on ventilators in the past week.

Hospitals are managing the increase, but the rise in cases has strained staff, Simmer said. Some emergency rooms and urgent cares are already getting overwhelmed, with wait times increasing, he added.

County Council to Vote on First Draft of Redistricting Map Tuesday

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council will consider the initial draft of the redistricting map of county council seats at the new year’s first meeting Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Anderson County Civic Center. The meeting was moved to allow for social distancing and masks are encouraged as the omicron variant cases are surging in the county

The new map is required by law in response to population changes reported in the 2020 United States Census.

A detailed, zoomable version of the map is here. 

The first look at the voting redistricting map is only the first step in the process. Public comment and suggestions are to be considered, and a large version of the map will be made available at the historic Anderson County Courthouse for evaluation and copies of the map will also be displayed at other sites across the county, which should be announced later this week.

“We look forward to working through the evaluation and approval process,” said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “All of us on council will work with the community to ensure the process yields an equitable result.” 

Anderson County staff members are continuing to review the borders as shown in the map and is looking for ways to fine tune any areas that might need work to correct split precincts and improve overall cohesion. Council will vote on the map on three readings, and it is possible changes will be made before the final vote. 

Any updates to the redistricting map will be posted on the county’s website. 

The initial map does not propose changes for any municipality other than a portion of the City of Anderson, which includes portions of five county council districts.

The redistricting covers all seven county council districts and effects 14,805 citizens, roughly 7.3 percent of the county’s population.

Here are some highlights of the redistricting map: 

District 1 

Adds the entire Town Creek precinct and a portion of the North Pointe precinct currently in District 4

District 2

Adds large portions of the Lakeside and Varennes precincts currently in District 5 

District 3

Ads portions of the Neal’s Creek precinct on the eastern side of Broadway Lake currently in District 2 

District 4

Adds the southern portion of the Three and Twenty precinct currently in District 6

District 5

Adds portions of the Edgewood A (all that west of Clemson Blvd.) and Anderson Precinct 6, Ward 1 (Linley Park west of North Ave.) precincts currently in District 1

Adds a portion of the northern part of Mountain Creek precinct and a very small portion of the Flat Rock precinct from District 3

District 6

Gains no new territory

District 7

Gains portions of the White Plains precinct northeast of Highway 8, part of which is taken from District 4 and the rest from District 6.

Full Tuesday night meeting agenda here.

DHEC Director Calls Virus Surge in S.C. "Alarming"

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer 

The surge in the omicron variant of COVID-19 is "flat out alarming" according to Brannon Traxler, the director of public health for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control. 

Anderson County has reported 658 new cases in the past seven days, a jump of 45.25 percent. Statewide 24,014 new cases were reported for the same time period. Data gathered does not reflect home test results, which are suspected to be a growing player in testing. No statewide or national figures are available for the number of at-home tests sold in recent weeks, but shortages indicate the number is substantial. 

Anderson County Council will move the first meeting of 2022 Tuesday at 6 p.m. to the civic center to provide greater social distancing for those attending. 

Traxler on Thursday said the state is at a "crucial point in the pandemic" and urged South Carolinians to take measures - inlcuding full vaccination schedules with boosters - to protect themselves and others against omicron, which currently posts a statewide positive rate of 20.5 percent. Avoiding crowds on New Year's Eve could also help control the spread, Traxler said.

“We do not want to start 2022, our third year of Covid-19, with record numbers of hospitalizations and death," said Traxler. "But we’re unfortunately headed in that direction if we don’t change things.”

First Baptist Annual Jan. 1 Lunch for Those in Need Saturday

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

First Baptist Church of Anderson will serve their annual New Year's Day community meal for our friends and neighbors in need, Monday beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the church gym.

The meal, free to all, will include a hearty lunch with chicken breast, potatoes, green beans, bread and dessert. Free warm blankets will also be available, along with special Bibles and coloring books available for the children. 

"Serving our neighbors who struggle with food insecurity has long been one of First Baptist’s ways of engaging with our community," said First Baptist Pastor Dr. Josh Hunt. COVID-19 made that need more pronounced and forced us to adapt the way we serve. 

New Year's Day is not the only time the chuch serves those who are hungry. Every Saturday, year-round, the churches "Saturday Servants" ministry offers meals.

"In addition to our coordination efforts to serve hungry people every Saturday of the year, we always look forward to opening our doors to our neighbors as we begin each new year," said Hunt. 

First Baptist is also providing rides to anyone in the Anderson area who does not have a way to get to the church for lunch. Contact the church office at 864-224-1622 to arrange a ride.

Anderson International Festival Kicks Off Tuesday with GermanFest

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

The Anderson International Festival (AIF) kicks off a three-month celebration of German culture Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at the Anderson Arts Center with an event featuring The Foothills Oompah Band, food trucks and a pub crawl dowtown.

The GermanFest will feature programs presented by a number of area organizations that highlight the arts, history and culture of a nation while celebrating its ties to Anderson County. 

Participating organizations include: Anderson County Museum, Anderson Arts Center, Anderson County Library System, Belton Area Museum Association, City of Anderson, Anderson University and the Kitchen Emporium.

Following the kick-off event, exhibits and activities focusing on Germany will be held throughout the community, including museum exhibits to fairy tale readings, book studies and German-inspired wine dinners.

This year, the festival is being presented by Anderson Area Sister Cities Association. Anderson Area Sister Cities is a member of the larger organization, Sister Cities International. Sister Cities members work to promote peace and understanding through exchanges and initiatives that focus on arts and culture, youth and education, business and trade, and community development. Sister city relationships offer the flexibility to form connections between communities that are mutually beneficial and which address issues that are most relevant for partners.

For updates on GermanFest events, visit the the group's Facebook page. 

COVID-19 Cases Rising in County, Home Testing Kits Scare

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Andererson County saw a surge in new COVID-19 cases last week, which includes the testing period from Dec. 20-23.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the county had 427 new cases of the virus during those pre-holday testing days.

Over the past 14 days, not including holidays, Anderson County posted 452 cases per 100,000 citizens. Anything greater tha 200 cases per 100,000 citizens is considered "High Incident."

Lack of testing is also a concern, with few appointments for testing within a 25-mile radius and the scarcity of home testing kits leaving many without options to see if their symptoms are indications of infection by the virus.

Anderson County also lags in fully vaccinated rates of those 18 and older, with 47 percent, behind the statewide average of 61 percent. Nationwide, 71 percent in the 18 and older group are reported fully vaccinated.

South Carolina health officials warn that based the omicron variant in could lead to a rapid rise in cases, especially with the holiday travel bringing those into the state from other parts of the country and world.

The potential good news is that the new omicron variant so far appears less dangerous than other strains, especially to those who are fully vaccinated. 

Officials will watch hospital occupancy rates statewide to help determine a final diagnosis of the new variant.

In Anderson County, 259 beds out of 407 total beds were occupied, for a rate of 63.6 percent, with 51 of them occupied by COVID-19 patients. In the ICU, 16 of the 46 beds are occupied by COVID-19 patients. There are 61 total ICU beds. Eight of the 22 patients on ventilators were COVID-19 patients. Sixty-two total ventilators are available. 

During the holidays state health officials warn of a possible additional complications from seasonal flu if more people don't get their shots. 

"While last year may have been an anomaly due to COVID-19, this year's numbers are still significantly higher than numbers we saw pre-pandemic," said Dr. Jane Kelly, assistant state epidemiologist with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental. 

"We know there have been talks of a 'twindemic' with COVID and the flu. And that's the last thing we want to see in South Carolina and the rest of the nation. So we strongly encourage all eligible people to get their flu shots, as well as their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters."

Health officials encourage all eligible citizens to get both a flu shot and COVID-19 shot/booster and DHEC recommends people continue to wear masks when indoors in public places, and to practice social distancing when possible. 

As for the highly contagious omicron variant of COVID-19, South Carolina had reported three cases as of Dec. 20 – all found in the Charleston area by scientists at the Medical University of South Carolina. Clemson University announced it had found 10 omicron-variant cases on campus.

"We knew it was only a matter of time before we would see confirmed cases of the omicron variant here in South Carolina," DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer stated when DHEC confirmed the first cases Dec. 15.

During the pandemic, Anderson County has had 38,942 cases; 1,421 hospitalizations and 811 deaths.

Merry Christmas

75

It's Christmas Eve

Study: Omicron Surge Could Skyrocket Past Winter 2020 Pace

Wire Reports

A highly influential COVID-19 forecast is projecting that the Omicron surge may result in as many as 400,000 new coronavirus cases a day across the nation — significantly higher than last winter's record of 250,000 cases a day.

Cases have also been steadily rising in Anderson County, reflecting the national trend. 

The University of Washington's Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation projects the Omicron surge will continue rising swiftly through December and into January, potentially peaking later next month or in early February. Despite the increase in cases, predictions indicate there will be fewer daily deaths than during last winter's devastating peak.

The nation — and California — are already showing troubling signs of an Omicron-related surge. The U.S. is reporting an average of nearly 150,000 new coronavirus cases a day, approaching the peak of the summer Delta wave, which reached 164,000 new daily cases.

The number of COVID-19 hospitalizations during this winter's peak could be slightly higher than last year, the forecast says. 

The institute also predicts that single-day COVID-19 deaths could climb as high as 2,000 nationally by early February, about the same number reported during the Delta surge but fewer than the nearly 3,500 daily deaths during last winter's peak. 

The forecast for California projects as many as 150 COVID-19 deaths a day by the end of February, a rate similar to the peak of the summer Delta wave. Still, that is far less than last winter's surge, when California was tallying 550 deaths a day. 

Increased mask use could result in substantially fewer coronavirus cases, COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths, the forecast says. 

Ali Mokdad, a professor of health metrics sciences at the institute, said that booster shots will also help.

"Getting a third dose for those eligible will substantially increase protection. Mask wearing remains a very effective strategy to avoid Omicron transmission and infection," Mokdad said on Twitter. 

"The unvaccinated and never-infected are at greatest risk. Vaccination for the unvaccinated is a powerful way to reduce personal risk. For those at increased risk due to age or comorbidities, avoiding indoor gatherings can further reduce risk," he added. 

In the coming days, COVID-19 hospitalizations will be a more relevant way to determine actions that local authorities may need to take, Mokdad said. That's because, while Omicron is rapidly spreading, there also will be a relatively high percentage of people infected with the variant who will remain asymptomatic. In addition, there will be a lower percentage of newly infected people who will require hospitalization.

Nonetheless, experts say the ultra-contagious nature of Omicron means that an extraordinarily high number of people could get infected simultaneously. Even if a lower percentage needs hospital care, if there are enough people who are infected simultaneously, that could result in strained hospital systems and, in some areas, overwhelm them.