South Carolina reports two more deaths from COVID-19
Two more people in South Carolina with the coronavirus COVID-19 have died, state health officials announced Friday evening.
“In the case of both deaths, the patients had recently been reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19. On behalf of all South Carolinians, we want to express our deepest sympathy for the families and loved ones of these two individuals,” state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said in a statement.
Both of those who died were elderly and had underlying health conditions, officials said. One was from Florence County, and the other was from Charleston County and was a resident of Harmony Assisted Living Facility, in Charleston.
“Tonight, two more South Carolinians have succumbed to COVID-19. Please join me in praying for their families and for their communities for their losses,” Gov. Henry McMaster said in a series of tweets. “The time is now for everyone to take this situation seriously and to follow the instructions of national and state officials. Voluntary action and precaution NOW will save the lives of many.”
That brings the total deaths in South Carolina to three — an elderly patient who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility in Lexington County died Monday.
That Lexington assisted living facility has reported four cases of the novel coronavrius. The Department of Health and Environmental Control said it is working with the Harmony Assisted Living Facility “to identify all contacts and is providing guidance about infection control measures to prevent spread.”
Earlier Friday, DHEC announced it was investigating 45 new cases of COVID-19 across the state, bringing the state’s total to 125. Kershaw County remains the epicenter of the outbreak in the state, with 36 cases, while Richland County has seen its number of cases rise to 22 as of Friday.
Florence County, where one of the patients died, had reported its very first case on Friday. Charleston County, where the other was from, is up to six.
According to Johns Hopkins University, there have been more than 200 coronavirus-related deaths in the U.S. so far.
“We want people to be prepared for more cases to occur and to continue to listen and follow recommendations from public health officials,” Bell told reporters in a conference call Friday.
Government officials at the state and federal level are taking steps to help curb the spread of COVID-19. Lawmakers passed and McMaster signed into law Thursday a $45 million state aid package to help DHEC with its COVID-19 response.
On Friday, state health officials also announced that medical supplies from a national stockpile had been delivered to the state and distributed to communities based on population size.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 20, 2020 at 7:16 PM.
