South Carolina

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

Local Charleston Hotel and Restaurants Ranked Amongst Best in The World

Charleston has been home to so many accolades over the years, including Top City in the World Outside the United Kingdom for the 9th year running. Now to add to the tally, Tripadvisor has released it’s annual Travelers’ Choice Awards. Charleston received a #1 hotel in the country title and 3 restaurants made the top 10 fine dining list.

The fabulous French Quarter Inn was named #1 hotel in the country and #24 in the world. Hall’s Chophouse comes in #3 for fine dining, Charleston Grill at #9, and Peninsula Grill at #10. With over 7 million visitors each year, it’s no surprise that Charleston hotels and restaurants are consistently successful.

This year, Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travelers’ Choice Awards were conducted pre-pandemic. “This has been a tough year for our industry, but the global desire to go and explore, whether the destination is an hour away or across the world, remains strong,” said Lindsay Nelson, chief of experience and brand officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice program is one way that travelers and diners can benefit from the real-life experiences of other people so they can plan their perfect trip that meets their needs, budget and style.”

The French Quarter Inn is open for business this summer, so you still have a chance to book a stay. As for the restaurants, they remain practicing social distancing, and take-away is a safe option for those unable to leave their homes.

Health and Wellness

Charleston-Area Hospitals Launch New “Masks Saves Lives” Campaign

As a means of preventing the spread of Coronavirus throughout SC, five hospitals have come together to launch a new campaign. Titled “Masks Save Lives,” they’re pushing for Charlestonians to adhere to the statewide mask ordnance.

The five hospitals that make up the movement are Trident Health System, East Cooper Medical Center, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center. Each plays a critical role in enforcing cloth face coverings be worn.

“You wear a mask to protect others, and they wear masks to protect you,” Jeff Taylor, CEO of Trident’s Summerville Medical Center, stated in a press release.

Wearing a mask has become a polarized issue in recent weeks. Some community members believe wearing a mask limits their freedoms, while others find it necessary for the greater good. Regardless of your stance on the issue, case numbers in SC continue to climb. The grand total now reaches 78,607, while the fatality rate reaches 1,385. Charleston County surges ahead for the most amount of positive tests reported.

The new campaign will be featured on 32 billboards as well as television advertisements. It acts as a reminder to stay masked in public. You can expect to start seeing the “Masks Save Lives” movement roll out in the next few weeks.

News

Charleston Museum Will Not Accept the Calhoun Statue

After a unanimous vote between The Charleston Museum Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees, the John. C. Calhoun statue will not be accepted into the Charleston Museum. This came as an official statement from the museum late last week.

The reasoning behind its refusal lies in the size of the monument. The size and weight would cause problems for the museum, as there isn’t enough space available. As well as space being an issue, the executive committee claims that he was “not a Charleston figure.” The statue could be added to the museum courtyard, but then it would be returning to another public space.

“While we recognize that John C. Calhoun was a man of significant national historical importance, he was not a Charleston figure and as such his biographical history does not fit in with the Museum’s general purpose and mission of interpreting the cultural and natural history of Charleston and the Lowcountry.,” officials explained.

In late June, Mayor John Tecklenburg announced the figures’ official removal from Marion Square. Several protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement were the push that sparked the relocation of the statue.

It seems the search for a new space to move the monument continues.

Uncategorized

Best Ice Cream Shops in CHS

In honor of National Ice Cream Day, this July 19th, we’ll be celebrating the best way we know possible, eating our way through the Lowcountry! What better way to enjoy the day than with a cold scoop of soft serve. If you’re looking to celebrate, here’s a round-up of the best ice cream and gelato joints in CHS.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

This creative flavor chain always has a line out the door, so you’ll want to come early before your favorite scoop runs out. Located in the heart of Downtown, you’ll know you’re close when you smell the savory aroma. Take a pint to-go, or enjoy a waffle cone to beat the summer heat. Hours are noon – 11 p.m. daily.

Ye Ole Fashioned Ice Cream

As a Charleston staple, Ye Ole is known for its lip-smacking good milkshakes and fantastic food. Hit the drive-through for soft-serve at locations in North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt Pleasant, and Goose Creek. Celebrate the holiday with Ye Ole from 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. today.

Off Track Ice Cream

Off Track is hardly off the beaten track. This delicious ice cream parlor crafts homemade flavors from pop tart to your classic vanilla. You’ll find their storefront on Beaufain and King Street open 12 p.m. – 10 a.m. With traditional and vegan options, Off Track is sure to please everyone in your family.

Park Circle Creamery

You know it, you love it. It’s the famous Park Circle Creamery. This North Charleston ice cream shop is offering a free scoop this National Ice Cream day for its first 150 customers. Grab a friend and enjoy a cone from 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Events

National Kitten Day

This Friday, July 10th, is no normal Friday. It’s National Kitten Day! A day entirely dedicated to appreciating and adopting our furry feline friends. And what better way to celebrate than by giving a kitten a home? Stop by one of the many places where you can adopt a kitten in Charleston on this year’s National Kitten Day!

Charleston Animal Society

As the official animal shelter in SC, Charleston Animal Society houses pets of all shapes and sizes, including kittens! Their easy adopt system is in place from 12 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekdays, and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on weekends. In response to COVID-19, they’re minimizing the number of people allowed at once and require a face mask to be worn.

Pounce Cat Cafe

Though they’re no longer serving food and Bev to visitors, the Pounce Cat Cafe is still open and filled with cats. Patrons are required to wear a face mask and sanitize before entering the cozy cat sanctuary. While walk-ins are available, they encourage you to book a visit so you can secure a slot. The best part? All of their cats are ready for adoption! Fall in love with one of their felines and take em home all in the same day.

Petfinder

The online searchable database is a means for connecting animals with new homes. With updates daily, Petfinder shows you everything you need to know about a purr-fect new addition to your home. Filter through their search bar to get paired with a cat in line with your needs. This easy to use website is a great option for those wanting to adopt from the comfort of their home.

Hallie Hill Animal Sanctuary

The non-profit Animal Sanctuary in Hollywood, SC is known for housing many animals on the older side. If a laid back cat is more your style, then Hallie Hill has got you covered. Meet and greets and adoptions are available appointment only through their online selection process. If it seems a good fit, the shelter pairs you up with your perfect match.