Coronavirus updates for Feb. 8: Here’s what to know in South Carolina this week

We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back each week for updates.

More than 5,400 COVID cases added in SC last week

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Tuesday, Feb. 7, reported 5,463 COVID-19 cases for the week ending Feb. 4 and 58 coronavirus-related deaths for the week ending Jan. 28.

The counts include probable and confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths.

An estimated 1.8 million coronavirus cases have been reported in the Palmetto State, and 19,330 people have died as a result of the virus since March 2020, according to state health officials. Data shows COVID-19 cases fell nearly 5% compared with this time last week.

As of Feb. 7, 377 people were hospitalized with the coronavirus in South Carolina (with 61 hospitals reporting), including 46 patients being treated in intensive care units, according to the latest totals.

The omicron subvariant BA.5 accounted for about 97% of all COVID-19 strains identified in South Carolina for the week ending Jan. 21, data shows. The DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory conducts sequencing on randomly chosen samples as part of nationwide efforts to find out about new strains of the virus, the agency’s website reads.

The state’s latest vaccination numbers show nearly 54% of eligible South Carolina residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and 63% have received at least one dose.

Is long COVID preventable? Your lifestyle matters, new study suggests

“Simple lifestyle changes” may cut a person’s risk of developing long COVID, according to a recent study led by Harvard researchers.

Healthy habits including getting a good night’s rest are known to benefit one’s health, and a Feb. 6 report suggests they may also prevent the lingering impacts of COVID-19.

The study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed 1,981 women who tested positive for the virus. Those who followed six healthy lifestyle factors reduced their risk of developing long COVID by nearly 50% compared to those who didn’t, according to the report.

The healthy habits included maintaining a healthy weight and diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation.

To learn more about the study, read the full story here.

Coronavirus updates for Feb. 1: Here’s what to know in South Carolina this week

Flight attendant feared she’d be fired for removing mask to use inhaler, lawsuit says