Calhoun County COVID-19 Information
Got COVID-19 questions? library staff are here to help
Calhoun County continues to work with federal, state, and local partners to respond to the pandemic and provide information regarding COVID-19. Calhoun County Emergency Management Department is providing updates as information about the rollout in Calhoun County becomes available.
The Library is available to help anyone register for COVID testing or vaccine appointments during public service hours -- Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 am – 7 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 2 pm. Free Wi-Fi from your vehicle is available 24 hours a day. Staff are available by phone M-F 10 am - 5 pm and Sat 10 am - 3 pm. We recommend making a Book-a-Librarian appointment in advance so that staff members can provide you their undivided attention.
COVID-19 TESTING
As of January 15, DHEC recommends that all South Carolinians get regularly tested for COVID-19.
Free COVID-19 testing is offered at the Calhoun County Health Department on Thursdays from 9 am – 4 pm. Testing is offered at the Orangeburg Health Department Mondays – Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 am – 4 pm. Appointments can be made through covidtest.dhec.sc.gov, though walk-ins are accepted.
If you use a smart phone and have transportation, an easy way to schedule a free COVID-19 test is through GoGetTested.com. You must be 18 years of age to register yourself or family members. A QR code will be sent to your phone after the appointment is made, and results are texted when available.
COVID-19 VACCINE INFORMATION:
Who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 Vaccine?
South Carolina is following a phased COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, and eligibility is prioritized on saving lives. The phases of this plan and updates on the vaccine rollout are posted on the SC DHEC COVID-19 Vaccine Website.
How do I get my COVID-19 vaccine?
Vaccine locations usually require an appointment. Once you become eligible under the SC COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, you have two options to schedule one.
1. Call DHEC’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.
The Care Line can’t schedule vaccine appointments. When you call, a DHEC staff member will identify locations which are taking appointments and provide you with phone numbers and addresses so that you can schedule your vaccine directly with the provider.
2. Locate a vaccine provider through the SC DHEC Online Portal, also known as the DHEC Vaccine Locator.
If you utilize SCDHEC's Online Portal, you can enter your home address to find the nearest vaccine location that is accepting appointments. The DHEC map also shows vaccine locations across the state. Vaccine locations with green circles have vaccines available to those eligible under the current phase of the state plan. Locations with a red square are locations with no availability. When you locate a vaccine location with available vaccines, click on the vaccine location's link and follow the directions provided by vaccine provider.
Many vaccine providers require recipients to register through the online registration system from DHEC. The Library is happy to assist you in this process if you need help.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS
Several community organizations provide for immediate needs in the Calhoun County Area.
OCAB Energy and Food Assistance
The Calhoun County Department of Social Services offers assistance with electricity bills (up to $150.00 per 12-month period) funded by Calhoun Cares. To make an appointment, call 803-874-3384.
Food Banks
The Department of Social Services is currently not operating a food pantry. Several churches operate food pantries in the county, however. If you need immediate food assistance, call the Library at 803-874-3389 for more information.