Columbia, South Carolina, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Columbia, South Carolina reports very high levels of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, even as case numbers remain stable according to CDC data. Schools have stopped tracking individual cases, and current trends show a rise in respiratory illnesses. The dominant COVID-19 strain is less severe than previous variants, while vaccination efforts continue amid seasonal illness upticks.
Columbia, South Carolina Reports Very High COVID-19 Viral Activity in Wastewater Amid Seasonal Illness Uptick
South Carolina is currently facing “very high levels” of COVID-19 viral activity detected in wastewater, according to recent data. Despite these elevated levels, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the state has maintained stable numbers without significant increases. Typically, a rise in COVID-19 cases is expected throughout the months of August to October, a trend observed nationwide.
The CDC utilizes wastewater tracking to passively monitor COVID-19 viral levels in various locations. This method provides insights into community transmission levels, serving as an early warning system for public health officials.
In response to shifting circumstances, the Beaufort County School District (BCSD) has ceased tracking individual COVID-19 cases, following changes in state and federal emergency reporting requirements. The exact timeline for when BCSD stopped case tracking remains unclear. However, BCSD’s Public Information Officer noted that the district adheres to guidelines set forth by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), advising students and staff to stay home when experiencing illness.
Casey White from the South Carolina Department of Health emphasized that tracking individual respiratory virus cases has not been required by the DPH since 2021. Current guidelines regarding school responses to COVID-19 outbreaks have also evolved, as specific thresholds for reporting multiple cases have been removed.
Novant Health is actively tracking positive COVID-19 cases within its hospital network, providing valuable data for local healthcare responses. Presently, the dominant strain of COVID-19 in circulation is labeled “stratus” or XFG, which is believed to have a lower severity compared to earlier strains in terms of mortality and hospitalization rates. This decreased severity is attributed to improved vaccination coverage and the characteristics of the new variant.
In addition to COVID-19, BCSD has reported typical health-related challenges for this time of year, including an increase in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Meanwhile, expansive immunization efforts show a rising trend in religious vaccine exemptions, while required immunizations have seen a drop from 2021 to 2025. Current state law permits only religious and medical exemptions for vaccines, with rigorous requirements for documentation.
Should outbreaks occur, students with religious exemptions may be temporarily removed from school or daycare until health officials deem it safe for their return. Fortunately, no cases of meningitis, measles, or mumps have been reported within the BCSD community, indicating effective immunization coverage against these diseases.
Healthcare specialists have emphasized the crucial role of vaccines, particularly the Meningococcal vaccine for students living in congregate settings, as its efficacy has significantly lowered meningitis cases. BCSD continues to advise sick students to follow medical guidance and remain at home until fully recovered.
In conjunction with handling COVID-19 cases, Novant Health is expanding its workforce by onboarding seven new primary care providers and has established walk-in services in Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head. Furthermore, COVID-19 vaccines are still widely available without prescriptions at most South Carolina pharmacies.
As of September 2, data indicated modest increases in COVID-19 cases across 24 states, with South Carolina’s status remaining stable. COVID-19 accounted for approximately 2.7% of emergency department visits, while nationwide test positivity rates have surged to 10.8%. The CDC variant tracker highlights that the XFG variant is now predominant, comprising 78% of current cases. Additionally, CDC wastewater concentration data positions South Carolina among the states with notably high viral activity.
COVID-19 is known for its seasonal peaks, commonly noted during summer and winter months, influenced by climatic conditions and human behaviors. The CDC forecasts potential overlapping peaks in hospitalizations this upcoming respiratory season, encompassing COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Adopting healthy practices like staying at home during illness and seeking accurate diagnostics through testing remains essential for community health.
Following recent FDA approvals, new COVID-19 vaccines aimed at higher-risk populations have been released, accommodating specific age group guidelines. An upcoming meeting of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to clarify vaccination eligibility for individuals who do not meet the new criteria.
FAQ
What is the current COVID-19 viral activity level in South Carolina?
South Carolina is experiencing very high levels of COVID-19 viral activity in wastewater, as indicated by recent CDC data.
Is the situation regarding COVID-19 cases in South Carolina stable?
Yes, while the levels are high, South Carolina is maintaining a stable number of cases without significant increases, according to the CDC.
What changes have occurred in Beaufort County School District’s reporting of COVID-19 cases?
The Beaufort County School District has stopped tracking individual COVID-19 cases, following updated state and federal guidelines.
What is the current dominant strain of COVID-19 in South Carolina?
The current strain is referred to as “stratus” or XFG, which is considered less severe in terms of mortality and hospitalizations.
What guidance is BCSD providing regarding illness and vaccinations?
BCSD advises students with respiratory illnesses to stay home and follow medical guidance. They emphasize the importance of vaccination, especially for students in congregate living situations.
Key Features of COVID-19 Activity in South Carolina
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Current COVID-19 Viral Activity | Very high levels in wastewater |
| Stability of Cases | Stable without significant increases |
| Reporting Changes | No individual case tracking by BCSD |
| Dominant Strain | Stratus or XFG variant |
| General Illness Trends | Increased influenza and RSV cases |
| Healthcare Guidance | Advisory to stay home when sick and vaccination encouragement |
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: COVID-19
- The State
- Google Search: COVID-19 South Carolina
- Newsweek
- Google Scholar: COVID-19 wastewater monitoring
- WRDW
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Influenza
- Greenville Online
- Google News: FDA COVID-19 vaccines
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.
