SC coronavirus cases climb by 46 in a day to 173 total, spreading to 5 new counties
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina continues to grow as health officials announced 46 additional positive tests Saturday, bringing the state’s total to 173.
Officials had announced 125 total cases on Friday but that number was adjusted as new information came in, according to a Saturday statement by the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
With five counties reporting new cases, nearly two-thirds of South Carolina’s 46 counties have reported a case. Greenwood and Colleton Counties confirmed their first cases, as previously reported, as did Dillon, Edgefield and Marlboro Counties.
Both Richland and Kershaw Counties saw six new cases confirmed Saturday; they remain the hardest hit counties in total number of cases. Lexington County reported four new cases — one of seven counties with at least that many — while Greenville County reported five more for the second consecutive day.
“We can all take steps every day to help limit the spread of this virus,” Dr. Michael Kacka, DHEC physician and medical consultant, said in a statement. “As the number of positive cases throughout the state is expected to increase, we’re continuing to focus our efforts on preventing spread of the disease with special attention to those who are most high-risk for contracting the virus.”
Over the past two days more than 90 positive tests have been reported by state health officials as testing ramps up. At the University of South Carolina, 12 students have tested positive for the virus.
While officials say they expect the number of confirmed cases to rise in the coming days, Gov. Henry McMaster issued a statement Saturday saying that he think the state is “much less likely” to implement a shelter-in-place order similar to measures taken by Illinois, New York and California to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
“It is my hope that this will not be necessary here, and I believe it to be much less likely, as long as South Carolinians follow official instructions and take recommended precautions now,” McMaster said in the statement.
There have been three confirmed deaths of patients with COVID-19, with two reported Friday night. All those who died were elderly with underlying medical conditions, state health officials said. There has also been a confirmed case with a seven-month-old baby, though his mother told The State that the infant is recovering.
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 21, 2020 at 4:56 PM.
