Richland County coronavirus cases jump to 59, with 14 new positive tests
The total number of coronavirus cases in Richland County has reached 59.
The county’s emergency services department reported the number on a conference call Wednesday updating Richland County Council on the state of the virus. The figure comes from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, said emergency services director Michael Byrd.
That number includes 14 new cases just identified on Wednesday. That number puts Richland County just behind Kershaw, which had five additional cases on Wednesday for a total of 62, according to state health officials.
Charleston County had the largest one-day jump on Wednesday with 16 new cases.
Richland County Budget Director James Hayes told council members the county has $1.9 million available for emergency responses, including $900,000 left over from a fund set aside to respond to the 2015 flood, plus another $1 million in set aside funding.
The county has closed office buildings in response to the spread of COVID-19. County Administrator Leonardo Brown told council members 165 staff members are working remotely, at least one from each department. County staff who are still working from their offices are working staggered shifts to increase social distancing, Brown said, and the county administration building and court facilities have received deep cleanings.
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 25, 2020 at 3:57 PM.
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