South Carolina’s COVID-19 rates keep hitting new highs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Health officials say South Carolina again saw more COVID-19 cases, more people in the hospital with the virus and the highest percentage of positive tests in a day.

Officials reported Saturday more than 1,150 new cases and more than 16% of the people tested had the virus. Health officials say when that figure rises, it is one of their strongest indicators the virus is spreading.

That figure was just over 9% two weeks ago. Authorities reported five additional deaths in South Carolina.

COVID-19 has killed 644 people in the state.