Unemployment claims have skyrocketed in the wake of the covid-19 shutdowns.

Between March 14 and 28, 64,856 individuals in the South Carolina filed for unemployment benefits.

That’s an increase of 3,149% over the previous week.

3,112 of those who filed live in Lexington County.

Business closures and layoffs have impacted the state’s previous record-breaking employment streak.

In January before the outbreak, SC unemployment was at a record 2.4%.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act has been signed into law, but these benefits are not yet available.

Visit www.dew.sc.gov for more employment updates and guidance.

Insurance to cover covid-19 treatment

BlueCross BlueShield is waiving all outof-cost costs related to in-network covid-19 medical treatment.

Treatment costs will be waived through June 1.

Members benefiting from this expansion of coverage are individual policy holders, Medicare Advantage plan members and Medicaid members, as well as fully insured employer group customers.

Provider visit and testing to diagnose covid-19 is also at no cost to members.

BlueCross and BlueChoice® members received free access to telehealth services, including behavioral health consultations.

Veterans to open C2C Arms

US Marine veteran Chris Koufos plans to open C2C Arms in the former Lexington Guns and Shooting Range April 6.

C2C Arms at 472 US-378 West will provide a healthy work environment for veterans in the community, he said.

The staff is 100% local veterans.

“We are doing everything we can to add social distancing to our services and our store, provide a stafe place for our customers to come and purchase our products, as well as provide a safe place for our veteran employees,” he said.

Koufos said he is not taking the pandemic lightly, but recognizes the importance of a place for his employees to earn a paycheck.

The firing range will remain closed for a short time after the grand opening.

Access will be limited to only a certain number of people at a time, and curbside services will be available.

More time for license renewals

Some businesses will have more time to renew their licenses and permits.

Effective immediately, the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) is extending the license renewal deadline to Sept. 30.

Continuing education requirements may be obtained throughout the entirety of this extended renewal period.

Affected licenses, registrations and permits involve: Barbers, Cosmetology, Contractors, Dentistry, Engineers and Surveyors, Environmental Certification, Funeral, Long Term Health Care, LP Gas, Manufactured Housing, Massage Therapy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Real Estate Appraisers, Real Estate Commission, and Residential Builders.

Small business loan program faces problems

The SBA loans under the Payroll Protection Program of the CARES Act offer small businesses the cash infusion needed to survive the economic crisis the country is facing.

Applications for these PPP loans, which can be 100% forgivable, started April 3.

However questions have been raised about how the loan forgiveness will work, and which loans will be eligible.

Banks claim they have not received necessary guidelines and set requirements for the loans.

Small businesses hoping to apply for the loan program should visit https://home.treasury.gov/cares for more information.

Real ID deadline extended

The Real ID deadline has been extended by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Beginning October 1, 2021, your South Carolina driver’s license or identification card must have a gold star to show it’s a Real ID.

Real IDs will be used to board a domestic, commercial flight, enter a secure federal building, or visit a military installation.

To see if you qualify to get your Real ID online, visit https://www.scdmvonline. com/SCTRNS/Public/Authorization.aspx .

Covid-19 won’t stop Midlands Gives

Midlands Gives is still on for Tuesday, May 5.

More than 400 nonprofits will participate online with new virtual headquarters.

The 18-hour challenge hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation will take place 6 am - 11:59 pm at www.midlandsgives.org .

Donors can add multiple organizations to a “shopping cart” with donation sizes of their choice, starting at only $10.

For more information about Midlands Gives on Tuesday, May 5, nonprofits, partners, and community members can visit www.MidlandsGives.org, call 803-254-5601.

Make sure you’re counted

Over 50 million households, a third of the nation, have responded to the 2020 Census.

The census happens once every 10 years. Your response affects allocation of Congressional seats and Federal funds to your community- for things like schools, hospitals, roads, and emergency services.

Respond to the census today at ww.2020census.gov, over the phone to the number on the form you received, or on paper through mail.

It takes 10 minutes, and will ensure our state gets the money and resources it needs in the future.

Flights schedules reduced

Some airlines flying out of Columbia Metropolitan Airport have reduced their flight schedules.

American and Delta airlines have reduced departures to Charlotte, Atlanta and Washington, DC.

Both have suspended service to New York until further notice.

American has suspended service to Miami. Travelers should check with their airlines before heading to the airport.