State health officials will report any covid-19 cases among public school students and staff.

Gov. Henry McMaster wants the Department of Health and Environmental Control to disclose cases in every SC school district.

Data  should be reported on a daily basis, he said, without identifying information to comply with confidentiality laws.

"The disclosure will ensure parents, teachers and the public have accurate and authoritative information," McMaster wrote.

A spokesperson said DHEC intended to fulfill the governor's request.

The governor did not mention private schools.

At least 18 districts will start classes next week, according to re-opening plans approved by the state education department.

Public schools are only required to notify students and families who were in close contact  – within 6 feet for at least 15 minutes – with someone who tested positive,DHEC spokesman Ryan Brown told The Greenville News.

In several states including Georgia and Tennessee, school districts have started to report positive cases as students returned to classrooms.

Teachers and parents have voiced concern over the potential spread of the virus in school.

Some teachers have objected to the reopening of schools for face-to-face instruction this fall.

State Superintendent Molly Spearman has required districts to offer an in-person classroom education option for students.

All 81 state public school districts have now been approved to begin their academic years.

State demographic data show 4% of reported covid-19 cases are in children aged 10 or younger.

11% are between ages 11 and 20.