SC health officials report 44 new coronavirus cases, Jasper County gets first case
South Carolina health officials on Tuesday identified 44 new cases of the coronavirus as state leaders continue to combat the virus that now totals 342 cases statewide in 36 counties.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported new cases in Chesterfield and Jasper counties. Greenville County saw its largest increase of new cases with eight new patients testing positive. Richland County, which has the second most cases in the state — behind Kershaw County, which reported four new cases — also reported four new cases.
DHEC’s director Rick Toomey told reporters on Tuesday that a new coronavirus case model will be released Wednesday.
“As the number of cases and community spread expectedly increase in our state, we reiterate the importance of taking daily prevention practices to protect yourself and your community,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, a DHEC physician. “We all have the responsibility to protect ourselves, our families, friends and community.”
On a call with reporters Tuesday, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said the increase of cases is expected, but that about 80% of those infected will only have mild symptoms.
Asked whether states and cities were overreacting by asking residents to shelter in place, Bell said local jurisdictions should make decisions based on “what is best for them.”
“We can’t close the grocery stores to prevent people from getting food because there may have been a case in a particular setting,” Bell said. “We can’t shut down businesses with implications for employment and other issues, just because there may have been a potential case. We need begin understanding we are going to see cases in the community. We cannot completely stop spread, but we want to slow spread and want to as much as possible maintain essential functions, essential services and critical infrastructure.”
State health officials also have faced questions as to whether the state has enough supplies to meet agency and hospital needs.
DHEC’s director Rick Toomey told reporters Tuesday that South Carolina would be receiving a second shipment from a national stockpile of health equipment. Once supplies are received, they’ll be inventoried and sent out to the counties by early next week.
The first shipment from the stockpile contained expired equipment, but officials have said they could still use it.
Toomey also said the agency was able to draw $10 million from the $45 million the General Assembly recently spent to help DHEC respond to the coronavirus outbreak. Toomey said that money was used to help with workforce needs, teleworking and to buy protective equipment.
Beyond money, state leaders also have implemented measures to stop the virus’ spread.
Gov. Henry McMaster issued an executive order on Monday giving law enforcement more discretion to break up groups of three or more people if they post a risk to public health. Private homes and businesses would not be included. McMaster also called on law enforcement to disperse groups at public beaches and recently ordered restaurants to close their dining rooms.
New cases of Coronavirus in SC
▪ Aiken: 1 case
▪ Anderson: 1
▪ Beaufort: 1
▪ Charleston: 5
▪ Chesterfield: 1
▪ Clarendon: 1
▪ Darlington: 1
▪ Dorchester: 1
▪ Florence: 2
▪ Greenville: 8
▪ Horry: 3
▪ Jasper: 1
▪ Kershaw: 4
▪ Marlboro: 1
▪ Richland: 4
▪ Spartanburg: 1
▪ Sumter: 4
▪ York: 4
SOURCE: S.C. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
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.
Joseph Bustos contributed to this report.
This story was originally published March 24, 2020 at 4:13 PM.
