SC posts 151 new cases of coronavirus, two new deaths related to virus
South Carolina health officials announced Monday that 151 more people have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the statewide total to 925 cases.
With 135 cases total, Richland County now has the most positive tests for the virus in South Carolina.
The virus continues to tear through the state and has now been detected in 41 of the state’s 46 counties, according to data from the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The respiratory illness is proving particularly dangerous to the state’s senior population. Two additional deaths were announced Monday — an elderly resident in Beaufort County and a second in Anderson County. Both had underlying health conditions, DHEC announced. That brings the state’s death toll to 18.
DHEC data released Monday also showed that:
- Richland County experienced the largest increase in cases with 40. It was followed by Beaufort County with 24, Greenville County with 17 and Kershaw County with 16.
- Barnwell County reported its first case.
Rural South Carolina may be taking more of a hit than data show. Rural residents may lack access to health care or testing, said Linda Bell, state epidemiologist, meaning cases may be underreported.
State officials say the worse is yet to come. South Carolina is projected to see more than 2,600 cases of COVID-19 by Thursday. By May 2, that number is expected to rise to more than 8,000 cases, which could strain some of the state’s hospitals and health care facilities.
DHEC is advising residents to take precautions.
“We’re all in this together,” said Brannon Traxler, a DHEC physician. “Today’s announcement is a stark reminder of the serious threat that COVID-19 poses to our families, friends and communities. We encourage all South Carolinians to continue to listen to the guidance of our public health professionals and to, when possible, stay home and limit your close contact with others.”
Meanwhile, the state is prepping for for an onslaught of cases.
Over the weekend, DHEC received its second shipment from a national stockpile of medical supplies, which included 44,440 N95 respirators masks, 105,500 surgical masks, 420,000 pairs of gloves and almost 200,000 surgical gowns and face shields. The agency has distributed those items to counties across the state.
Many items in the first shipment from the national stockpile were expired, but health officials said the equipment was still helpful.
Saturday, South Carolina saw its greatest single day increase in positive coronavirus tests, likely due to DHEC’s work to eliminate a testing backlog caused by a nationwide shortage of chemicals needed for COVID-19 testing.
Friday, DHEC officials announced they received a shipment of the chemicals and were working to clear the backlog. A second order of chemicals is on its way, they added.
Currently, DHEC has two to three days worth of the chemical, DHEC officials told reporters Monday.
State government officials have taken several steps to “flatten the curve” or help slow the spread of COVID-19. S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has issued an executive order, allowing police to break up groups of three or more people. He also ordered police to disperse visitors to public beaches and restaurant owners to shutter dining rooms.
The state Legislature has allocated $45 million to DHEC to fight coronavirus, $10 million of which state health officials have withdrawn to help with workforce needs, teleworking and buying protective equipment.
New coronavirus cases
Anderson County: 2 cases
Barnwell County: 1 case
Beaufort County: 24 cases
Charleston County: 6 cases
Chesterfield County: 2 cases
Clarendon County: 2 cases
Colleton County: 1 case
Darlington County: 1 case
Dorchester County: 2 cases
Fairfield County: 1 case
Florence County: 1 case
Georgetown County: 1 case
Greenville County: 17 cases
Horry County: 1 case
Kershaw County: 16 cases
Lancaster County: 1 case
Lexington County: 6 cases
Marion County: 1 case
Orangeburg County: 5 cases
Pickens County: 2 cases
Richland County: 40 cases
Spartanburg County: 5 cases
Sumter County: 4 cases
Union County: 2 cases
York County: 7 cases
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 30, 2020 at 4:03 PM.
