Covid-19 deaths and cases are falling in SC and Lexington County.

Health and Environmental Control officials Tuesday announced 52 more confirmed deaths and 7 probable deaths but 54 occurred as far back as July 8.

Actual SC deaths Monday were only 5, none of them in Lexington County.

They reported only 3 deaths in SC Sunday, and Lexington County’s last death was Saturday.

This brings total confirmed cases to 83,720, probable cases to 389, confirmed deaths to 1,505 and 60 probable deaths.

Positive test result numbers are falling, too.

On Monday, 8,689 individual test results were reported. 18.1% tested positive as infected. That means 81.9% tested as virus free.

DHEC said evidence is increasing about the high rates of infection in people who have no symptoms nor know they are infectious.

This puts more of us at risk of the virus or unknowingly transmitting it.

Home sales rising

Home sales are booming despite the pandemic.

Lexington County real estate sales people report rising sales. 1 told the Chronicle she alone has closed 6 home sales this month.

Some said the trend started in March when they feared covid-19 would chill the housing market.

Low interest rates and fewer homes for sale has spurred buyers’ appetites.

Loan forgiveness

Congress is considering a simple forgiveness process, especially on smaller loans under $150,000.

63,000 SC businesses received loans for $150,000 or less. Others were for more, up to $10 million.

The Paycheck Protection Program deadline has been extended to August 8.

Fred Green, president and CEO of the SC Bankers Association, said forgiveness depends on how the law is written and what is passed.

One version would allow loans under $150,000 to be forgiven with a simple 1-page document, he said.