Always bet on human ingenuity, and you will win.

As Lexington County takes tentative steps to reopen, many businesses have found ways to meet public need.

Lee Pitcovich of Something Borrowed has provided tents, tables and chairs for local restaurants to serve their patrons outside.

He set up 1 such tent with 17 tables for more than 130 diners at Alodia’s Restaurant on Lexington’s Main Street.

Other restaurants hope to open inside as early as next week in 50% of their seating to practice safe distancing with their cooks and wait staffs in gloves and masks.

Physician practices and Lexington Medical Center have stepped up telehealth to care for patients remotely.

Teachers finished the year teaching remotely, too.

Experts say remote health care and teaching could have taken years to develop had the pandemic not forced their introduction.

Deaths rise

State health officials reported the county has suffered 24 virus deaths and 484 confirmed cases.

Columbia and Richland County suffered 57 deaths and 1,119 cases, the highest count in the state.

The state’s 10,493 confirmed cases is one of the lowest in the nation.

Department of Health & Environmental Control officials reported 76% of patients have recovered, up from 74% last week.

Economic forecast

Dismal scientists – the name economists give themselves – say a recovery will take longer than expected.

They call this the “swoosh” effect after the Nike logo. This means a steep economic plunge and a longer, slow recovery into next year.

Despite their forecast, 22,477 individuals gave $3,321,683 in the annual Midlands Gives event.

Hosted by Central Carolina Community Foundation, it was the largest amount and most donations the event has ever had.

Read move covid-19 news on page A3.