DHEC analysis shows mask requirements slowing spread

The analysis found that areas requiring masks have shown a 46.3% greater decrease in the total number of cases during a four-week period after those requirements were implemented than areas without such ordinances.

Schools to receive $10M in personal protective equipment 

The Department of Administration coordinated the purchase with organizations including the S.C. Department of Education. Seventy of the state’s 81 school districts requested PPE funding, according to the governor’s office.  

Jenkins new Richland Library entrepreneur-in-residence

Karen Jenkins is the president and CEO of KRJ Consulting LLC and a recent recipient of the Business Report’s Icon award. She will work with community entrepreneurs and small businesses through Dec. 15.

Unemployment claims drop again as state awaits guidance

Initial unemployment claims dropped below 6,000 as state officials cautioned additional federal benefits will likely not be available for several weeks. Richland County saw a state-high 583 claims filed for the week ending Aug. 8. 

Study: Moratoriums could drive up rent, homelessness

Stringent landlord regulation during the pandemic may lead to fewer evictions in the short term, but one study conducted by a Clemson University professor found that it could mean fewer people will be able to afford rent long-term.

Free, drive-through testing available each weekday

The COVID-19 testing, offered by Lexington Medical Center, takes place Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Summerplace Drive in West Columbia. DHEC is providing test kits and processing results.