A rendering of a virus.
Official Advisories and Updates

The City of Spartanburg is providing official Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and advisories at cityofspartanburg.org/coronavirus. Vaccination information can be found at scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccination.

Cases of COVID-19, a new strain of coronavirus, began popping up in the United States in January. On March 7, 2020, the first presumptive positive case in Spartanburg was announced. This page will be continually updated with the latest news as well as a list of local resources.

Spartanburg COVID-19 Updates

  • September 1, 2022 – The CDC approves the use of updated COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer-BioNTech for people ages 12 years and older and from Moderna for people ages 18 years and older.
  • July 13, 2022 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization (EUA) for another COVID-19 vaccine, Novavax.
  • July 6, 2022 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes state-licensed pharmacists to prescribe Paxlovid to eligible patients, which must be taken within five days after symptoms begin.
  • June 17, 2022 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorizes emergency use of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include use in children down to 6 months of age.
  • June 15, 2022 – The first Covid-19 vaccine shot for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers moves a step closer to approval following an FDA advisory panel’s approval for Moderna and Pfizer. The final regulatory approval could come as soon as the end of the month.
  • June 14, 2022 – Dr. Fauci, who is fully vaccinated and has received two booster shots, tests positive for Covid-19 and is experiencing mild symptoms.
  • June 10, 2022 – The U.S. is expected to end the requirement for airplane travelers to test negative for Covid-19 before entering the country.
  • May 17, 2022 – FDA approves Covid-19 booster shot for healthy children ages 5 to 11.
  • May 16, 2022 – The White House announces that 350,000,000 tests have been delivered to households since the plan to ship free at-home tests to people across the country went in effect.
  • May 4, 2022 – The United States passes one million deaths related to Covid-19.
  • May 1, 2022 – White House pushes to increase use of Pfizer’s Covid treatment Paxlovid.
  • March 30, 2022 – The CDC updates its recommendations to allow certain immunocompromised individuals and people over the age of 50 who received an initial booster dose at least 4 months ago to be eligible for another mRNA booster.
  • March 15, 2022 – The Biden administration announces a roadmap of the cutbacks and shortages that would occur if Covid-19 funding lapses.
  • February 25, 2022 – The CDC issues new guidance on when Americans should consider wearing masks to protect themselves against Covid-19. Under the new guidance, most Americans can now contemplate removing their masks.
  • February 11, 2022 – The FDA authorized another Covid-19 monoclonal antibody treatment developed by Eli Lilly.
  • February 8, 2022 – The CDC reports that over 900,000 people have died from COVID-19 in the United States.
  • February 2, 2022 – U.S. military begins discharging soldiers who refuse vaccination.
  • January 31, 2022 – The FDA grants full approval to Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine for those ages 18 and older.
  • January 19, 2022 – Spartanburg County reports a cumulative total of 81,810 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,321 COVID-related deaths. South Carolina reports a total of 1,236,732 confirmed cases and 15,029 deaths.
  • January 18, 2022 – Americans can now sign up to get free home Covid-19 tests from the federal government, one day ahead of the scheduled launch of the program.
  • January 3, 2022 – The United States hit one million new cases of Covid-19 amid the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, a global record.
  • December 17, 2021 – Health experts are warning that the highly contagious COVID-19 variant, Omicron, is expected to cause the greatest surge in COVID-19 infections to date in the coming months.
  • December 9, 2021 – Eligibility for Pfizer’s COVID-19 booster shot has been expanded to include 16- and 17-year-olds, making safe and effective boosters now available for everyone ages 16 and older.
  • December 1, 2021 – The United States identifies its first case involving the Omicron variant.
  • November 26, 2021 – The World Health Organization identifies a new variant of concern, naming it Omicron. Research continues to say current vaccines are effective in reducing severe disease and death against all COVID-19 variants.
  • November 19, 2021 – The CDC expands its recommendation for booster shots to include all adults ages 18 years and older who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine at least six months after their second dose.
  • November 5, 2021 – Pfizer says its oral COVID-19 antiviral pill Paxlovid is able to reduce a patient’s risk of hospitalization or death by 89%.
  • November 3, 2021 – The CDC approves the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.
  • October 20, 2021 – The FDA approves J&J and Moderna vaccination boosters.
  • September 30, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a cumulative total of 58,946 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 1,048 COVID-related deaths. South Carolina reports a total of 689,190 confirmed cases and 10,830 deaths.
  • September 24, 2021 – The CDC endorsed the recommendation for Pfizer booster shots for certain at-risk groups, clearing the way for millions of Americans to get a booster. It also endorsed the booster for workers in high-risk settings and those in institutional settings
  • September 17, 2021 – An FDA advisory panel recommended Pfizer booster shots for people 65 and older as well as high risk populations.
  • September 7, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports 400 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. South Carolina reports 8,258 new confirmed cases and 53 additional deaths over Labor Day weekend. Children and teenagers have the highest share of new COVID-19 cases in the state.
  • August 23, 2021 – Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine gets full FDA approval.
  • August 18, 2021 – South Carolinians who are moderately to severely immunocompromised and received the Moderna or Pfizer immunizations can begin receiving an additional dose of these immunizations to better protect themselves from COVID-19.
  • August 12, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a cumulative total of 44,766 positive COVID-19 cases and 835 COVID-related deaths.
  • August 10, 2021 – South Carolina surpasses 10,000 COVID-related deaths.
  • July 29, 2021 – South Carolina reports 1,200 new confirmed cases, 667 probable cases, 4 confirmed deaths, and 6 probable deaths.
  • July 27, 2021 – The CDC updates its mask guidance, recommending that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors in areas with high transmission of Covid-19.
  • July 5, 2021 – Health officials continue to urge vaccination as the hyper-transmissible delta variant gains ground across the country. The delta variant is about 60 percent more transmissible than current dominant strain in the the country.
  • June 23, 2021 – State health officials announce an increase urgency for people to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as the more dangerous new Delta variant is rapidly spreading in the United States, including in South Carolina.
  • May 13, 2021 – The CDC announces that fully vaccinated people may now go without masks in mosts places.
  • May 6, 2021 – Governor McMaster directs the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) to terminate South Carolina’s participation in all federal, pandemic-related unemployment benefit programs.
  • April 30, 2021 – The CDC announces that over 30% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, and more than 43% of the population has received at least one dose of the vaccine.
  • April 23, 2021 – The FDA and CDC lift the recommended pause on the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine.
  • April 15, 2021 – More than one in five Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
  • April 13, 2021 – U.S. health officials recommend a pause on Johnson & Johnson vaccinations in order to investigate the cause of six cases of rare and severe blood clotting. Out of nearly seven million doses of the vaccine, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis clots were reported in six women under the age of 50 between 6 to 13 days after getting a shot.
  • March 31, 2021 – All South Carolinians aged 16 and older are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • March 8, 2021 – South Carolina moves to Phase 1b of its vaccination plan. People aged 55 and up as well as people with increased risk for severe COVID-19 complications become eligible for vaccination.
  • March 1, 2021 – Governor McMaster lifts restrictions on large gatherings as well as the ‘last call’ order on alcohol sales. “… I believe these targeted and limited safety measures are no longer necessary,” said Gov. McMaster.
  • February 27, 2021 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a third vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019.
  • February 27, 2021 – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for a third vaccine, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019.
  • February 15, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 33,841 positive cases, 1,748 hospitalizations, and 643 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 489,018 positive cases, 19,421 hospitalizations, and 8,034 deaths.
  • February 4, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 30,628 positive cases, 1,649 hospitalizations, and 598 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 453,878 positive cases, 18,462 hospitalizations, and 7,487 deaths.
  • February 3, 2021 – South Carolina has received a total of 777,250 vaccine doses and has given 439,888 shots. Any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can begin scheduling appointments on Feb. 8.
  • January 21, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 27,091 positive cases, 1,426 hospitalizations, and 498 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 404,492 positive cases, 16,869 hospitalizations, and 6,373 deaths.
  • January 13, 2021 – Any South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can now schedule their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • January 6, 2021 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 21,315 positive cases, 1,159 hospitalizations, and 406 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 328,073 positive cases, 14,851 hospitalizations, and 5,498 deaths.
  • December 28, 2020 – South Carolina receives initial doses of the Moderna vaccine. The state is expected to receive nearly 200,000 doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by the end of 2020.
  • December 18, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 16,665 positive cases, 963 hospitalizations, and 340deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 267,076 positive cases, 13,267 hospitalizations, and 4,872 deaths.
  • December 16, 2020 – South Carolina is in the midst of its phased vaccine plan, starting with Phase 1a which covers health care workers and long-term care staff and residents.
  • December 15, 2020 – Spartanburg receives its first shipment of COVID-19 vaccinations at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. Health care workers are among the first to receive the vaccine.
  • December 14, 2020 – A nurse in Queens, NY, became the first person in the United States outside of a clinical trial to receive an injection of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. South Carolina receives its first allocation of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
  • December 10, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 14,560 positive cases, 879 hospitalizations, and 306 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 241,686 positive cases, 12,618 hospitalizations, and 4,627 deaths.
  • December 3, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 12,920 positive cases, 816 hospitalizations, and 292 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 223,063 positive cases, 12,126 hospitalizations, and 4,466 deaths.
  • November 25, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 11,950 positive cases, 752 hospitalizations, and 271 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 210,905 positive cases, 11,737 hospitalizations, and 4,317 deaths.
  • November 12, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 10,318 positive cases, 690 hospitalizations, and 251 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 190,490 positive cases, 11,084 hospitalizations, and 4,084 deaths.
  • November 6, 2020 – COVID-19 case numbers in the Upstate counties continue to rise at a steady rate, near or beyond previous spikes in the state. SCDHEC experts warn the state may be entering a fall surge.
  • November 5, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 9,590 positive cases, 645 hospitalizations, and 245 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 181,639 positive cases, 10,726 hospitalizations, and 3,992 deaths.
  • October 29, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 9,103 positive cases, 619 hospitalizations, and 232 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 168,549 positive cases, 10,404 hospitalizations, and 3,889 deaths.
  • October 22, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 8,487 positive cases, 599 hospitalizations, and 218 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 164,609 positive cases, 10,102 hospitalizations, and 3,755 deaths.
  • October 15, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 7,802 positive cases, 557 hospitalizations, and 210 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 159,809 positive cases, 9,739 hospitalizations, and 3,593 deaths.
  • October 8, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 7,438 positive cases and 209 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 154,755 positive cases and 3,514 deaths.
  • October 2, 2020 – Gov. Henry McMaster lifts all occupancy limitations in restaurants throughout South Carolina. “South Carolina is open for business” said Gov. McMaster.
  • October 1, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 6,974 positive cases and 204 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 148,323 positive cases and 3,400 deaths.
  • September 24, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 6,565 positive cases and 192 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 141,686 positive cases and 3,262 deaths.
  • September 14, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 5,996 positive cases and 181 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 132,680 positive cases and 3,077 deaths.
  • September 3, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 5,088 positive cases and 148 confirmed deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 118,699 positive cases and 2,652 deaths.
  • September 1, 2020 – The South Carolina DHEC provides new guidelines for limited outdoor visitation at nursing homes and community residential care facilities.
  • August 24, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 4,691 positive cases and 120 confirmed deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 111,202 positive cases and 2,387 deaths.
  • August 11, 2020 – Spartanburg reports a total of 4,159 cases and 98 deaths.
  • August 3, 2020 – Gov. McMaster’s past recommended guidelines for restaurants and other establishments that attract groups of people are now mandatory. The governor calls for local governments to enact mask ordinances.
  • July 27, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 3,447 positive cases and 74 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 82,071 positive cases and 1,452 deaths.
  • July 23, 2020 – Spartanburg District 7 announces that it will offer an in-person learning plan and a fully virtual (online) learning plan for the upcoming school year.
  • July 16, 2020 – U.S. reports a record 75,600 new daily cases; the number has more than doubled since June 24. Greenville County reports a total of 7,846 positive cases and 122 deaths. Spartanburg County reports a total of 2,825 confirmed positive cases and 58 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 63,880 positive cases and 1,053 deaths.
  • July 15, 2020 – Gov. Henry McMaster urges schools to reopen for face-to-face instruction in the fall.
  • July 13, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 2,561 confirmed positive cases and 57 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 58,003 positive cases and 961 deaths.
  • July 10, 2020 – Gov. Henry McMaster prohibits alcohol sales at bars and restaurants after 11 pm.
  • June 30, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 1,608 confirmed positive cases and 46 deaths.
  • June 29, 2020 – City of Spartanburg announces a face covering requirement for establishments such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
  • June 23, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports a total of 1,257 confirmed positive cases and 42 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 26,572 positive cases and 673 deaths.
  • June 17, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports an increased total of 1,026 confirmed positive cases while the number of reported deaths remains at 37. South Carolina reports new totals of 19,990 positive cases and 607 deaths.
  • June 12, 2020 – Governor McMaster issues Executive Order 2020-40 and lifts restrictions on bowling alleys and retail capacity restraints.
  • June 11, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports an increased total of 843 positive cases and 37 deaths.
  • June 10, 2020 – Dr. Bell of the SC DHEC states that she is “… more concerned about COVID-19 in South Carolina than [she has] ever been before.” South Carolina reports 15,759 positive cases and 575 deaths.
  • June 4, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports an increased total of 687 positive cases, 4,907 estimated total cases, and 25 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 13,005 positive cases and 525 deaths.
  • May 27, 2020 – SC DHEC Director Rick Toomey resigns, citing family and health reasons. South Carolina reports a total of 466 deaths associated with COVID-19. Nationally, the total number of deaths approaches 100,000.
  • May 22, 2020 – Gov. McMaster lifts restrictions on attraction facilities.
  • May 13, 2020 – Gov. McMaster announces that additional close-contact service providers, such as gyms and salons, can begin operating in a limited capacity on May 18.
  • May 4, 2020 – Gov. McMaster lifts the statewide “work-or-home” order.
  • May 1, 2020 – Spartanburg County reports an increased total of 287 positive cases, 1,763 estimated cases, and 9 deaths. South Carolina reports new totals of 6,095 positive cases and 244 deaths.
  • April 20, 2020 – Gov. McMaster announces that public beaches and certain stores may reopen. Spartanburg reports an increased total of 225 positive cases and 6 deaths.
  • April 15, 2020 – Spartanburg reports an increased total of 191 positive cases and 5 deaths.
  • April 6, 2020 – Gov. McMaster issues a statewide “home-or-work” order.
  • April 5, 2020 – Spartanburg reports a total of 76 positive cases. South Carolina death total increases to 44.
  • April 1, 2020 – Gov. McMaster issues an emergency order closing non-essential businesses. South Carolina reports three new deaths, bringing the state’s death toll to 22.
  • March 31, 2020 – South Carolina reports its nineteenth Coronavirus fatality. Total number of Spartanburg cases increases to 37.
  • March 26, 2020 – South Carolina reports its ninth death related to Coronavirus. Spartanburg reports an increased total of 9 positive cases.
  • March 25, 2020 – BMW announces the temporary shutdown of BMW Plant Spartanburg beginning March 29, citing supply chain issues and health concerns as the driving factors.
  • March 24, 2020 – Total number of Spartanburg cases increases to 3.
  • March 17, 2020 – Mayor Knox issues a public statement urging social distancing. All city events are canceled until further notice, and city operations are modified.
  • March 16, 2020 – South Carolina announces its first Coronavirus associated death. SRHS temporarily suspends all visitation to hospitals.
  • March 15, 2020 – Officials close all public schools in South Carolina.
  • March 8, 2020 – Spartanburg reports its first presumptive positive case.
  • March 7, 2020 – South Carolina confirms its first two cases of coronavirus.

What You Need to Know

Symptoms – These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure (based on the incubation period of MERS-CoV viruses): fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

Older Adults & Medical Conditions – Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more serious complications from COVID-19.

Prepare Your Family – The CDC has created a list of what you can do to prepare your family in case COVID-19 spreads in your community.

Restaurants Offering Takeout, Dine-in, and Outdoor Service

In addition to takeout and delivery, many of Spartanburg’s restaurants have reopened for indoor and outdoor dining. Visit our list of Spartanburg restaurants with takeout, dine-in, and outdoor service.

Discussion Boards

Whether you have a question about the Coronavirus or you just want to chat, visit our Coronavirus COVID-19 discussion forums to share what’s on your mind.

Other Local Resources

National Resources

Last updated at 3:30 pm on Oct. 2, 2022.