Fort Jackson has two new coronavirus cases, among 10 already confirmed across SC
Ten more patients tested positive for COVID-19 Wednesday, two at Fort Jackson in Columbia and eight others at two separate hospitals in different parts of South Carolina.
“Everyone’s health and safety is my first concern and we started the contact tracing immediately,” Fort Jackson Commander Brig. Gen. Milford H. Beagle, Jr. said in a news release, days after the first two cases of the coronavirus were reported at the military installation. “As a result, there are two more COVID-19 cases in 3rd battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment.”
Both patients who tested positive at Fort Jackson are in isolation and receiving medical care, U.S. Army officials said in a news release. The soldiers will not return to duty until medically cleared, and the areas they visited are being sanitized, according to the release.
Fort Jackson’s public health team said it is continuing to identify anyone who may have been exposed to the coronavirus.
“I am grateful for everyone’s patience and empathy over the last month as we have been fighting the spread of COVID-19,” Beagle said. “We need to continue to work together and help each other as we navigate through this health emergency.”
Two cases of coronavirus were confirmed at Abbeville Area Medical Center, hospital spokeswoman Meg Davis said in a news release.
The tests at the Upstate medical facility were confirmed at 8 a.m., while 54 other people have tested negative at the Abbeville hospital, according to the release.
In Charleston, six cases of coronavirus were reported at Roper St. Francis Hospital, spokesman Andy Lyons said in a news release.
All six patients were told to self quarantine at home, Lyons said.
In all, 19 positive tests have been recorded at the Lowcounty hospital, and none of those people are currently admitted as patients at Roper St. Francis, according to the release.
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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.
On Tuesday, 44 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 342 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 36 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
DHEC also announced Tuesday that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to seven in less than two weeks. State health officials described all seven as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
Prior to the release, only one case of the coronavirus was confirmed in Abbeville County by DHEC. In Charleston County, 36 patients have tested positive for COVID-19, according to DHEC.
A stay at home ordinance was passed in Charleston Tuesday night, hours after it was recommended by Mayor John Tecklenburg.
All non-essential businesses in Charleston will be closed, and residents must stay at home, except for necessary services, Tecklenburg said in a news release.
Trips to the grocery store, pharmacy, or for other essential services and activities will be allowed under the ordinance. Other examples of permitted travel includes going to hospitals, banks, and gas stations.
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.
Symptoms of 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 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 Wednesday morning, 428,405 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 19,120 people have died, while 109,926 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 55,225 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 802 deaths have been reported, including 192 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
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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.
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 25, 2020 at 1:52 PM.
