As coronavirus enters its third week in SC, The State answers your latest questions

As the number of coronavirus cases in South Carolina continues to climb, questions about that the virus means for the everyday person are only increasing.

The State has been publishing an ongoing series where readers ask questions and reporters track down the answers. This is the third installment of that series.

Why does CDC have to confirm all coronavirus tests?

Since COVID-19 is a novel virus — meaning it had never been seen in humans before this outbreak — the kits for testing the virus are also new. Because of that, extensive data the tests’ accuracy is not available, like there is with other infectious diseases, said Linda Bell, an epidemiologist for the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

Should I reconsider a vacation to Myrtle Beach?

DHEC didn’t outright say to cancel a vacation to South Carolina, but the agency did advise to limit your time in public, avoid large gatherings, keep six feet away from other people and frequently wash your hands, spokeswoman Laura Renwick said in an email. This could, at the very least, rule out certain vacation activities such as bar-hopping or going to the beach with a large group of friends.

Does SC have enough intensive care rooms and ventilators to handle coronavirus?

In short, DHEC doesn’t know. But the agency provided some additional information that may be helpful.

There are 15,130 hospital beds throughout the state, Renwick said. DHEC does not track the number of intensive care unit (ICU) beds for adults, though there are 540 ICU beds for babies statewide. DHEC does not know how many ventilators there are in S.C., but the agency has sent out a survey to health care facilities and expects a solid number “in a few days.”

Will officials say when a coronavirus patient moves from one hospital to another?

No. DHEC does not release that information for two reasons, the department said. One, that information is protected personal medical information, and two, releasing that information would dissuade coronavirus patients from sharing information with officials who are trying to find with whom the patient had contact in recent days, Renwick said.

What happens when someone at a business tests positive for coronavirus? Does the company have to close?

That depends, DHEC said. While DHEC and CDC have released guidelines for how businesses should respond to coronavirus, there is not one hard-and-fast rule that requires businesses to close if an employee tests positive, Renwick said.

Why are hospitals using different protection devices and different methods to screen patients?

Existing guidelines call for any patient with “respiratory symptoms” to be given a mask and isolated in a room until he or she can be examined by a medical professional, Renwick said.

Should barber shops and hair salons close?

DHEC doesn’t know yet. The department is working with state and federal agencies to develop recommendations on whether to close or limit services for barber shops and hair salons, Renwick said.

Can I get a full refund for a trip I booked on Airbnb?

On March 14, Airbnb announced it was updating coverage of its extenuating circumstances policy to cover COVID-19. Under the new policy, all reservations made on or before March 14 with a check-in date between March 14 and April 14 will be fully refunded if canceled, including fees, at any time before check-in. If you made the reservation after March 14 or the check-in date is after April 14 (even if the reservation was made before March 14), the policy will not apply unless the host or guests contract COVID-19.

If your trip or stay is not covered under the extenuating circumstances policy, then cancellations are subject to the host’s policy, which can vary. To find your host’s cancellation policy, scroll down towards the bottom of the listing, next to the “Things You Need to Know” section. If you’ve made a reservation, you can also contact the host to discuss cancellations and refunds.