MUSC Chosen for Phase III of Vaccine Trials

As the race to find a cure for Coronavirus continues, MUSC Health joins researches through a vaccine trial. Because one of MUSC’s potential vaccines has shown promising signs fighting the virus, they were selected as part of a Phase III trial.

In order for a vaccine to become safe and ready for mass manufacturing, it must first go through the three phases. Beginning with one, this phase is administered on small groups and geared toward the safety of the patients. They then collect data on the response to the vaccine. Phase two is typically administered on hundreds of people while fine-tuning the specific amount of regimen necessary. Phase three involves thousands of people while focusing on how it reacts to an entire population. Once all three have been successfully completed, the vaccine is on its way to becoming FDA approved.

At MUSC, emergency medicine physician Gary Headden, M.D., states that “the science behind [the vaccine] looks good, so I’d say I’m optimistic.”

In order to attract interested participants, MUSC is planning a webpage launch that will officially open the trial to new applicants. They’re seeking several hundred. Some patients within the trial will receive a placebo while others will receive the vaccine. Patients will remain overseen for a grand total of two years.

New In Charleston

Charleston County School District Hires 104 Full-Time Nurses

With the 2020 school year in full swing, the Charleston County School District (CCSD) has announced that every elementary, middle, and high school within their district will hire one full-time nurse. This comes as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 104 nurses will be placed in total.

The team at CCSD remains committed to the health and safety of the staff and students. Ellen Nitz, Director of Nursing Services at CCSD, explains that “the nurses took contract tracing courses to be versed in the procedures and can answer questions from parents and administrations.”

Protocols to reduce the spread of Coronavirus are also being put in place. CCSD has installed a plate of plexiglass in front of each nursing station, in addition to following social distancing guidelines. The clinics also feature an isolation area or bay with a cot and a curtain to act as protection. Nightly sanitation is in place as a means of following guidelines.

As their schools reopen and welcome students back in-person, CCSD is continuously working to keep all members safe and healthy.

New In Charleston

Large Fuel Spill in the Charleston Marsh

A diesel fuel spill at Dill Creek on James Island has the U.S. Coast Guard involved in the cleanup. Over 3,100 gallons of fuel were spilled from an above-ground tank near Plum Island Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Immediately 20% of the spill was cleaned up, leaving 80% floating in the marsh. Mike Saia of Charleston Water System says it might take up to a week to clean the entirety of the spill. The leakage began around 7 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15.

In order to best remove the diesel fuel from the marsh, a vacuum truck has been placed at the site. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is aiding the U.S. Coast Guard in the cleanup.

The marsh has a strange red tinted color, due to the red-dye diesel fuel. The main concern for the spill is geared toward the many small animals and wildlife that reside there. Baby crabs, shrimp, and fish are all largely impacted by the spill. Long-term effects have yet to be reported.

Eat & Drink

Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” to Feature This Charleston BBQ Icon

You’ll soon be craving BBQ because Netflix’s “Chef’s Table” has decided to feature Charleston icon, Rodney Scott. For their seventh season, it’s all smoked and juicy barbeque. The local and fan-favorite, Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ will make its debut on the streaming service come Sept 2.

Scott will be highlighted alongside world-renowned names for BBQ. The fellow chefs and pitmasters hail from all different corners, each with a unique take on grilling. As the show airs, it will take you through their dishes as well as the stories behind them. Netflix is teasing viewers with a short preview.

Charleston’s Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ has been officially smoking hogs since 2017. Though Scott is no newbie when it comes to grilling. He’s been behind the smoke since he was 11-years-old. In the restaurant’s first year of operation, it was named one of the 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine. Come 2019, Scott had opened up a second location in Birmingham, AL. This isn’t Scott’s first time on screen, as he’s made appearances on The Today Show helping Al Roker feed folks affected by devastating tornadoes in Alabama.

Folks can taste the classic BBQ at the King Street locale, as well as classic sides like potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, collard greens, and hush puppies. Open for guests Monday – Sunday from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The restaurant’s motto is that “Every day is a Good Day,” so there’s no wrong time to grab a plate of smoked BBQ.

Uncategorized

College of Charleston Suspends All Fall Sports Competitions

As of August 10th, the College of Charleston has suspended all fall 2020 sports competitions. This will include men’s soccer, women’s soccer, volleyball, men’s cross country, and women’s cross country. All of the above sports teams plan to continue practicing in preparation for a spring 2021 season.

Now, year-round sports of men’s golf, women’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s tennis, sailing, and equestrian will also be practicing in lieu of an actual competition season. They hope to resume come springtime.

The Director of Athletics, Matt Roberts, issued a statement regarding the matter. “We thank our local medical community and sports medicine staff for their tremendous efforts of implementing our current return-to-sport medical protocols and testing to get us back on campus safely… With the increased concern around the country and amongst the Colonial Athletic Association-member schools to postpone fall sports competition, we remain hopeful our fall student-athletes and coaches have the opportunity to pursue championships in the spring.”

Furthermore, the winter sports team season remains on the schedule. More information is sure to be announced as we near the season start date.

News

IOP Will Begin Implementing Public Parking Restrictions

The once free parking offered at Isle of Palms may no longer be available for beach go-ers come summer 2021. The choice to monetize parking came after COVID-19. IOP residents recently issued a temporary parking ban for non-residents along busy neighborhood streets. Now, public parking restrictions will impact weekday and weekend parking times.

Instead of the current 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., the city is looking to enforce 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This time frame forces non-residents into a curfew.

While during the Coronavirus pandemic, chairs, coolers, and umbrellas were no longer allowed, it seems the city is making more strides toward seclusion from non-residents. Parking violation charges increased by double as of May 30th for municipal parking lots. These designated public parking zones are subject to change.

“The issue is the number of cars and parking, it’s not trying to restrict and limit people’s access to the beach,” said Councilmember Randy Bell. “We have an automobile problem. We don’t have the room to park as many that wish to come here.”

In order for next year’s changes to be made possible, a decision must be finalized no later than this August. For now, it seems things are headed toward stricter parking enforcement across the island.

Uncategorized

The Citadel Introduced New Mascot, G3

The Citadel welcomes a new mascot to their turf! Groshon, or G3 for short, was named in honor of Coach Mike P. Groshon, Citadel Class of 1976. Coach Groshon cared for the Citadel mascots from 2003 until he passed away in 2016. The English bulldog, G3, is excited about joining Cadets for all sporting events, pandemic permitting.

As his first official duty, G3 made an appearance during the Clas of 2024 Oath Ceremony on the 10th of August. This public outing was his first big entrance.

The dog was donated to the college by Dr. John Bradford, a local veterinarian. G3 is now in control of the cadets as of Aug. 6. The official Mascot Handling Team of 2020-2021 academic year consists of two seniors, juniors, and sophomores. The competitive process to become selected to join the team was conducted during last year’s rank board.

A new mascot isn’t the only thing the Citadel is welcoming this school year. A new Knob Knowledge poem has also been added.

What is The Citadel Mascot:

I come from a long line of Generals and Boos

I eat knobs and Paladins and kangaroos

If you’re scared of my bark, don’t mess with my bite

For The Citadel blue I’ll do what is right

Peace and honor, God and country, I will fight for thee

I’m The Citadel bulldog. It’s a great day to be me!

Uncategorized

South Market Street Will Temporarily Stop Vehicle Traffic

In order to allow more outdoor social distancing space, a portion of South Market Street will temporarily stop vehicle traffic. Enforcement begins Saturday, August 15th between Church Street and State Street from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Because pedestrians convene at the downtown Charleston market, this sectioning off of streets better allows for social distancing.

“This project in the City Market, which was vetted by members of both the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Citizen’s Advisory Committee and City Council, will create a safer environment for pedestrians and allow for proper social distancing throughout the market area,” said Director of Traffic and Transportation, Keith Benjamin. “We are grateful to the City Market staff, vendors, and surrounding small businesses who worked on this project with us and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Come 5 p.m. each day, the South Market Street traffic lane re-opens for vehicles. This reconfiguration is set to remain throughout the 2020 calendar year. Loading zones are also impacted, as they’re now closed for pedestrian use only.

Charleston walkers can now enjoy the Market cobblestone streets with enough space to social distance during the coronavirus pandemic.