COLUMBIA, S.C. — State health and education leaders say South Carolina’s children are suffering from mental health and educational consequences of closed schools due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Department of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman told a state Senate subcommittee meeting Wednesday that South Carolina needs to reduce its spike in cases so students can return to school safely.
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Pediatrician Debbie Greenhouse told lawmakers children are at relatively low risk for catching or spreading the virus. Greenhouse urged the state to close its bars, shut down indoor dining and implement a mask rule.
[READ MORE: Health expert says SC opened ‘too fast and too early']
Health officials reported 1,537 new confirmed cases and 38 deaths Wednesday.
The state has now reported 48,770 total cases since March. 876 people have died.
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