MARION, S.C. – MUSC Health Marion Medical Center began administering the first phase of COVID-19 vaccines to residents age 70 and older Tuesday. The latest step in battling the pandemic comes at a time when many hospitals are at capacity regarding available beds. Residents ages 75 and older were inoculated on Monday.

MUSC Health Marion Medical Center assistant chief executive officer Spencer Twigg said vaccines for healthcare workers were provided as early as Dec. 16.

“We’re administering on site hear at our vaccine clinic,” Twigg said. “Of course we have phase 1B — that will be open to essential workers.”

First responders, teachers, food industry and grocery workers are also included among the next highest priority.

“We’re taking it day-by-day at this point,” Twigg said. “We’re vaccinating about 130 people per day.”

Marion County had a total of 2,483 cases as of Tuesday. The county has also reported 79 coronavirus-related deaths, according to The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control data.

“It’s been incredible to be able to offer this to the community,” Twigg said. “It’s truly our first light at the end of a very long tunnel and hopefully can be the beginning to the end of a nightmare that we are currently experiencing with this worsening pandemic.”

Twigg said just about all hospitals are full.

“We are seeing patients that need in-patient treatment and our ER,” he said. “If they need admission upstairs they are being held until there is a bed is available but there is really nowhere to transport to because just about every hospital in this area is facing the same issue.”

Twigg said the hospital has been very busy but meeting the challenge.

“We’re doing some really good work out here and I’m proud of the team,” he said.

The vaccine will be administered by appointment only. Residents must provide a driver’s license or other form of ID at the appointment.

For more information visit muschealth.org.