Even the highest point in SC doesn’t offer enough space for social distancing
Going to the highest elevation in South Carolina is no longer an option during the coronavirus pandemic.
Sassafras Mountain Tower, along with Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, have been closed to the public because they do not offer enough space for safe social distancing, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said in a news release.
Large crowds were gathering at both locations, prompting SCDNR to close access as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise.
Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at 3,883 feet, is in northern Pickens County, near the state line with North Carolina. Bald Rock Heritage Preserve is in northern Greenville County, near Caesars Head State Park.
“With a limited amount of space on top of Sassafras and Bald Rock, it is hard to practice social distancing when large numbers of people are using these sites,” SCDNR Assistant Chief of Wildlife Tom Swayngham said in the release. “We know how much people love Sassafras and Bald Rock, and how beautiful the view is at these scenic places. This was not an easy decision for us to make, but in order to keep people safe and healthy, we need to close both the Sassafras tower and Bald Rock temporarily, until conditions improve.”
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (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.
SCDNR said it made the decision to close the locations after it was announced that all State Parks in South Carolina closed March 28 to support the state’s response to COVID-19.
Monitoring the safety of visitors to the SCDNR-owned areas was also a factor in closing them to the public.
“Emergency response for injuries or accidents during this time will be an increased challenge that first responders do not need,” Swayngham said.
While the mountain areas are closed, SCDNR said the rest of Jocassee Gorges property is open to the public. Officials asked visitors to follow guidelines to keep people safe by practicing social distancing.
“Please take care of each other and the properties,” Swayngham said.
SCDNR previously announced that beach access at Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a popular tourist destination near Edisto Beach in Colleton County, also closed March 28.
On Sunday, 113 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 774 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 40 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that another person died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to 16 in less than a month. State health officials described all 16 as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
In Pickens County, 11 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 since testing began on March 2, DHEC reported.
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 Monday morning, 735,560 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 34,830 people have died, while 156,380 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 143,055 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 2,513 deaths have been reported, including 776 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
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.
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.
