COLUMBIA, S.C. – Today marked the third day of the Virtual Youth Experience, a week-long web conference sponsored by South Carolina’s electric cooperatives, designed to bring together high-achieving high school students from across the state to meet with various local, state and national leaders.
Dr. Linda Bell, the state’s chief epidemiologist, answered questions from students regarding what the “new normal” is going to look like in the state.
“The ‘new normal’ in South Carolina, and across America, is the use of masks almost everywhere we go, while maintaining social distancing” said Bell. “People, especially young people, need to understand that social interaction is actually possible under the new ‘normal.’”
Gov. McMaster also spoke to the students about the spread of COVID-19 across South Carolina.
“We know a lot more about the virus than we did in the beginning,” said McMaster. “Those who are really endanger by the disease are the older generation. Knowing what we know now, we are going to have to develop a way to keep the virus from spreading the older generation.”
A total of 79 students—all rising high school juniors or seniors—are participating in the Virtual Youth Experience. These students represent 19 electric cooperatives across South Carolina.
