SC coronavirus cases climb by 22 in a day to 195 total
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina grew as health officials announced 22 additional positive tests Sunday.
South Carolina now has a total of 195 COVID-19 patients, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Thirty-two of South Carolina’s 46 counties have reported a case.
Colleton and Hampton counties reported positive tests for the first time during the pandemic, according to DHEC.
DHEC did not announce any new deaths on Sunday. So far, three people in South Carolina have died after testing positive for the coronavirus.
The 22 additional positive tests are down from 46 announced Saturday by DHEC. Charleston County has the most new cases Sunday with four. Richland County has three new cases, health officials said.
One new case was reported in Kershaw County, and there were no positive tests reported from Lexington County, according to DHEC. Kershaw County has most reported cases in the state with 43. Richland County is second with 31.
South Carolina ranked 23rd out of 50 states in the amount of reported coronavirus cases. New York has the most with 15,168. West Virginia has the least with 12.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
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.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
“We recognize the hardships that are facing many South Carolinians as we continue to respond to this ongoing public health event,” DHEC physician Dr. Brannon Traxler said in a news release. “We encourage the public to focus on things that each of us can do to limit the spread of illness by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, and practicing social distancing.”
To reduce the spread of the coronavirus, events of more than 50 people in a state, county, city, or other publicly-owned facility are prohibited, except for essential government functions, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
“This will be an extended response and it will take all of us working together to stop the spread of this virus,” Traxler said. “We want people to be prepared for more cases to occur and to continue to listen to and follow recommendations from public health officials.”
Symptoms of the coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have the coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Sunday afternoon, 329,275 people worldwide have been diagnosed with the coronavirus and 14,376 people have died, while 95,656 have recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 32,057 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 390 deaths have been reported, including 114 in Washington state, according to Johns Hopkins.
The three patients who died after testing positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina were described as elderly with underlying medical conditions, state health officials said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 3:44 PM.
