Richland County has 40 new coronavirus cases confirmed in one day, total of 135
Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Richland County, the seat of South Carolina’s capital, jumped by 40 in one day.
Richland County now has 135 known cases of COVID-19, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. There are now more known infections in Richland County than any other county in the state.
This is a 42 percent jump from the number of infections that were confirmed in the county a day earlier and is by far the most new cases reported in South Carolina on Monday.
Emergency Medical Services responders have reported an increase in the number of emergency calls for respiratory and flu-like symptoms over the past two days, said Michael Byrd, Richland County’s director of emergency services.
And nine county EMS employees are being isolated pending COVID-19 test results, Byrd said.
One day ago, Richland County had the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the state — 95. Only Charleston County had reported more, with 117. By Monday, Charleston County recorded six new infections.
At least 925 cases of coronavirus have been reported across South Carolina as of Monday afternoon, with the totals rising daily.
Richland County previously announced 30 additional cases over the weekend, including two deaths.
On Saturday, a County Council committee recommended the county commit $1.5 million to coronavirus response efforts, including a proposed $500,000 to help small businesses, $500,000 that would buy personal protective equipment for the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and $500,000 that would help provide food for seniors and moderate- to low-income households.
The full County Council is likely to take a vote on that proposed spending at its Tuesday meeting.
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 3:17 PM.