Theory why Oconee COVID cases have risen

Dr. Michael Thorsland, district superintendent for Oconee public schools, acknowledged last night that COVID-19 case numbers among Oconeeans have been on the rise, but he said he believes there’s an explanation for that.  And it does not tie into the 7-week old public school year.  Rather, says Thorsland, the Oconee cases numbers have jumped because of the arrival of Clemson University students, many of whom have taken up residence in apartment complexes across the Seneca River in Oconee County.  On this theory, according to the district’s contact with DHEC, Thorsland says, there is agreement.  But in the interest in transparency, he said, there have been increases in the public schools over the last “three or four days.”  And he told the county trustees that last week the numbers were concerning enough that the district switched some Seneca kindergarten students and those in a high school science class to virtual learning.