Facing a stagnant COVID-19 vaccination rate across the state, leaders of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church are strongly encouraging all laity and clergy to get vaccinated against the potentially deadly coronavirus disease.

As of this week, just over half of South Carolinians have begun the vaccination process, and less than 45 percent are fully vaccinated – the 12th-lowest rate in the nation.

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and other leaders also cite a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases, along with the rising threat of the more-contagious Delta variant, in recommending that everyone – including those who already are fully vaccinated – wear a mask when indoors in public settings.

Both recommendations come on the heels of updated advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was quickly echoed by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year,” Bishop Holston said, “we have encouraged our local churches and their members to follow the guidance of local, state and federal health officials. This week, we once again take to heart warnings from the CDC and DHEC, which are based on the latest developments in the pandemic and ongoing research.

“As a people of faith, we know that our foremost call is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as Jesus has loved us.

“Our hope is that South Carolina United Methodists consider the ongoing threat of this still-deadly pandemic through this scriptural lens, and take action by using the tools God has placed in our lives to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors.”

The CDC on Tuesday reported that its updated guidelines were prompted by a rise in “breakthrough cases” – those in which fully vaccinated individuals test positive for COVID-19 – that is likely being fueled by the rise of the Delta variant. Updated CDC recommendations include:

• In areas with substantial and high transmission, which includes many communities in South Carolina, everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) should wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant.
• Community leaders should encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.
• Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

The next day, DHEC recommended all South Carolinians follow the new CDC protocols, “strongly encouraging individuals to protect themselves and others by wearing masks.”

Facing a stagnant COVID-19 vaccination rate across the state, leaders of the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church are strongly encouraging all laity and clergy to get vaccinated against the potentially deadly coronavirus disease.

As of this week, just over half of South Carolinians have begun the vaccination process, and less than 45 percent are fully vaccinated – the 12th-lowest rate in the nation.

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and other leaders also cite a renewed rise in COVID-19 cases, along with the rising threat of the more-contagious Delta variant, in recommending that everyone – including those who already are fully vaccinated – wear a mask when indoors in public settings.

Both recommendations come on the heels of updated advice from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was quickly echoed by the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

“Ever since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year,” Bishop Holston said, “we have encouraged our local churches and their members to follow the guidance of local, state and federal health officials. This week, we once again take to heart warnings from the CDC and DHEC, which are based on the latest developments in the pandemic and ongoing research.

“As a people of faith, we know that our foremost call is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as Jesus has loved us.

“Our hope is that South Carolina United Methodists consider the ongoing threat of this still-deadly pandemic through this scriptural lens, and take action by using the tools God has placed in our lives to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors.”

The CDC on Tuesday reported that its updated guidelines were prompted by a rise in “breakthrough cases” – those in which fully vaccinated individuals test positive for COVID-19 – that is likely being fueled by the rise of the Delta variant. Updated CDC recommendations include:

• In areas with substantial and high transmission, which includes many communities in South Carolina, everyone (including fully vaccinated individuals) should wear a mask in public indoor settings to help prevent the spread of the Delta variant.
• Community leaders should encourage vaccination and masking to prevent further outbreaks in areas of substantial and high transmission.
• Universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status.

The next day, DHEC recommended all South Carolinians follow the new CDC protocols, “strongly encouraging individuals to protect themselves and others by wearing masks.”