More than 100 coronavirus cases reported again, with another death in South Carolina
For the second consecutive day, more than 100 positive cases of the coronavirus were announced by South Carolina health officials.
One more death also was reported Sunday, bringing the total to 16 in South Carolina. The death was an elderly patient from Horry County who had underlying health conditions, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
The were 113 additional cases of COVID-19 announced Sunday bringing the total to 774 cases in 40 counties across South Carolina.
“Today’s announcement is a solemn reminder of how serious this disease is. It has challenged us as individuals and as a state and it has taken the lives of our neighbors and loved ones,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, a DHEC physician. “We’re all in this together, and it is incumbent upon all of us to take action to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you can, we encourage you to please stay home and limit your close contact with others.”
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.
The 113 new cases comes a day after 121 new COVID-19 cases were reported in South Carolina by DHEC, the largest single-day increase the state has seen testing began March 2.
Of the 16 people who have died after testing positive for the coronavirus, state health officials described all of them as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
Richland County reported 17 new cases, most in state, to bring its total to 95. Greenville County had 14 new cases and Beaufort County 11. Charleston County has the most positive tests with 117.
DHEC expects more than 8,053 cases of coronavirus in South Carolina by May 2, according to forecast numbers released Wednesday. There will likely be more than 2,600 cases by April 2.
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 also is 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, 713,171 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 33,597 people have died, while 148,900 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 137,294 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 2,414 deaths have been reported, including 678 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 3:42 PM.
