Daily death toll to rise as SC closes in on its coronavirus peak, projection shows
The coronavirus is expected to hit its peak in South Carolina in little more than a month, a projection shows.
The number of patients testing positive for COVID-19, and coronavirus related deaths, are expected to rise until spiking on May 2, according to a study by healthdata.org.
But in the days following that peak, the number of new cases — and deaths — reported across South Carolina is expected to reduce on a regular basis, according to the data.
The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) expects more than 8,053 cases of coronavirus in South Carolina by May 2, according to forecast numbers released March 25. There will likely be more than 2,600 cases by April 2, according to DHEC.
On May 2, the healthdata.org projection shows 29 people who tested positive for the coronavirus are expected to die. Following that, the daily death toll is expected to get smaller every day until July 16, when it’s predicted there will be no deaths for the rest of the month.
Another positive that the projection highlights is South Carolina hospitals will be equipped with enough beds and ventilators to handle the peak amount of COVID-19 patients.
According to the study, South Carolina will need 1,697 hospital beds for coronavirus patients at the May 2 peak, and the state has 4,679 beds available. Of those, 404 are intensive care unit beds, and 255 will be occupied at the peak, the projection shows.
Additionally, 138 ventilators will be required for COVID-19 patients across the state, according to the study.
Like the predicted daily death toll, the need for hospital beds and ventilators will decline to close to zero by mid July, the projection shows.
The study is based off information from the World Health Organization (WHO), in addition to local and national governments, and hospital data. They were used to project the coronavirus’ impact over the next four months, and to determine the demand placed on hospitals and health care facilities because of the coronavirus.
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.
On Saturday, 121 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 660 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 40 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to 15 in less than a month. State health officials described all 15 as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
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 Sunday morning, 684,652 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 32,113 people have died, while 145,696 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 124,736 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 2,191 deaths have been reported, including 672 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
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 29, 2020 at 2:21 PM.
