This week on the podcast, Dr. Michael Sweat, director of the Medical University of South Carolina’s Center for Global Health, is back to answer our questions about the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina.

The last time Sweat joined us on the podcast, the omicron variant of the coronavirus was just emerging. What followed was a major wave of coronavirus cases when omicron became the dominant variant in South Carolina and across the U.S. 

A lot has changed since then. Transmission of the virus is low now. 

But, while things have improved, the pandemic isn’t over, and there are still big questions, like whether there will be another surge in cases, and, if there is, how we’ll know when it’s coming.

So, this week, Sweat offered some insight on the state of the pandemic right now in South Carolina, including the recent closing of all the state health agency’s mass COVID-19 testing sites and the state’s below average vaccination rate.

This episode was hosted and produced by Emily Williams.

Understand SC is a weekly podcast from The Post and Courier that draws from the reporting resources and knowledge of our newsroom to help you better understand South Carolina. 

Are there any stories you'd like to hear on the show? Contact us at [email protected].

More coverage:

• Experts weigh SC’s new COVID-19 surveillance systems as DHEC closes public testing sites
• DHEC updates COVID-19 guidance, reduces testing sites and mask wearing
• SC’s doctor discipline board silent as COVID-19 misinformation debate rages