South Carolina, September 12, 2025
News Summary
South Carolina reports very high COVID-19 levels in wastewater, signaling sustained viral activity despite the Beaufort County School District halting tracking of individual cases. This shift follows the end of emergency reporting requirements and aligns with national trends of increased COVID-19 cases during the fall months. While Novant Health continues monitoring cases independently, community members are reminded to stay home if unwell, especially as flu and RSV cases rise in the region.
South Carolina Reports Very High Levels of COVID-19 in Wastewater Amid Evolving School Tracking Policies
South Carolina is currently experiencing very high levels of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, indicating a sustained high level of the virus without any recent increase. This situation aligns with a nationwide trend where COVID-19 cases typically rise from August through October, as noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Wastewater surveillance is being utilized as an effective method to monitor viral activity in specific locations within communities. Despite these high levels of viral activity, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) has stopped tracking individual COVID-19 cases in schools. This change follows the termination of emergency reporting requirements by state and federal authorities, although the precise date when BCSD ceased this tracking remains unclear.
BCSD has indicated that it is still adhering to guidance issued by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) regarding communicable diseases, which emphasizes that students and staff should remain at home if they are exhibiting any signs of illness. Since 2021, DHEC has not mandated schools or childcare facilities to monitor individual cases of respiratory viruses including COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. The guidance on tracking and reporting for instances of multiple cases in cohorts or classrooms is also evolving and does not presently include any specified threshold for case reporting.
In an effort to keep track of COVID-19 cases independently from the school system, Novant Health is separately monitoring positive COVID-19 cases in the region. Additionally, a new COVID-19 strain known as “stratus” or XFG has emerged, though it is characterized as less severe in terms of mortality and hospitalization compared to previous strains.
Currently, BCSD is observing a typical year with regards to reported medical issues, despite an increase in requests for religious exemptions to vaccinations and a drop in required immunization rates. There have been no reported cases of meningitis, measles, or mumps in the district. Medical professionals such as Dr. Taras Nebeluk have reported a rise in flu and RSV cases among patients, but the instances of meningitis remain minimal, likely due to effective vaccination programs.
Community members are advised to stay home if they present any respiratory symptoms and are encouraged to obtain testing if feeling unwell. COVID-19 vaccines are widely available across South Carolina and can be accessed without a prescription at most pharmacies. It is recommended that individuals affected by COVID-19 or any respiratory illnesses follow the treatment and isolation guidelines provided by their healthcare providers.
In response to increasing healthcare demands, Novant Health is in the process of onboarding seven new primary care providers while maintaining walk-in services in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head. As indicated by the CDC, the upcoming fall and winter season for respiratory diseases may see a similar trend in hospitalizations as experienced in the previous season concerning COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
The CDC has also reported a gradual uptick in emergency department visits related to COVID-19, with 2.7% of visits attributed to the virus as of September 5. The national positive test rate for COVID-19 currently stands at 10.8%, marking an increase from previous weeks. In light of this, the FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines targeted for specific high-risk groups, with further guidance expected from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on September 18.
FAQ Section
What are the current COVID-19 levels in South Carolina?
South Carolina is reporting very high levels of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, maintaining this high level without a recent increase.
Why did the Beaufort County School District stop tracking individual COVID-19 cases?
The BCSD stopped tracking individual COVID-19 cases due to the ending of state and federal emergency reporting requirements, though the exact date of cessation is not clear.
What should individuals do if they have respiratory symptoms?
Individuals exhibiting respiratory symptoms are advised to stay home and seek testing if they feel unwell.
What is the status of COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina?
COVID-19 vaccines are available across South Carolina without a prescription at most pharmacies.
Key Features of Current COVID-19 Situation in South Carolina
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 Levels | Very high levels of viral activity detected in wastewater |
| School District Policies | BCSD has ceased tracking individual COVID cases |
| Health Advisory | Stay home if sick; testing recommended for respiratory symptoms |
| Vaccine Availability | COVID-19 vaccines available without prescription at pharmacies |
| Emerging Strain | New strain ‘stratus’ or XFG observed, less severe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort County Hosts Vibrant September Celebrations
Residents of Hilton Head Oppose Short-Term Rentals
South Carolina to Allow Debit Card Payments for Lottery Tickets
Ralph Norman Enters South Carolina Gubernatorial Race
Ralph Norman Announces Candidacy for South Carolina Governor
Historic $12.5 Million Sale Sets New Record on Hilton Head Island
South Carolina Reports First Measles Case Since 2024
Santa Fe Tops Travel + Leisure’s 2025 Rankings, Charleston Falls
South Carolina Man Arrested for COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
Rediscovering Serenity on Hilton Head Island
Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
- The State
- Google Search: COVID-19 in South Carolina
- Newsweek
- Google Scholar: wastewater surveillance COVID-19
- WRDW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: flu virus
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
