In just the last three weeks, South Carolina has seen a sharp increase of cases and hospitalizations of 58%.

“Our current situation is tipping in the wrong direction. We can’t let the virus and its variants grow stronger. Getting vaccinated is how we win,” Dr. Brannon Traxler of SCDHEC said. “Unvaccinated people are fueling the pandemic, especially unvaccinated young people.”

So far, 12 cases of the more serious Delta Variant have been detected in the state, but health officials say that number is probably higher.

“We know there are more cases of the variant in our state since only a sample of positive COVID-19 tests are sequenced,” Brannon said. Data is showing Delta variant is increasing rapidly.”