COVID-19 data reports to be reduced to once a week

In what could be interpreted as further evidence of an improving COVID-19 picture, South Carolina DHEC will move from Monday through Friday case data reports to once a week, on Tuesdays.  Starting March 15, the data switches to weekly for cases, hospitalizations, deaths and vaccinations.  “Tracking daily case numbers is less useful, especially with the rise of non-reportable at-home tests,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC’s public health director. “It’s much more useful to track severe cases, meaning those that unfortunately result in hospitalizations and deaths.  That gives us a clearer picture of how the virus is impacting local communities.”  The health agency will also continue to gradually close testing vendor sites across the state.  Between March 14 and April 1, for example, two vendor sites in Oconee County are closing.