SC sees 210 new coronavirus cases, four new deaths
South Carolina health officials announced 210 new cases of coronavirus Wednesday, bringing the statewide total to 1,293.
Four more people have died after contracting the illness, said officials with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, bringing the state’s death count to 26.
The patients who died were from Anderson, Beaufort, Lee and Richland counties. All were elderly with underlying health conditions.
“Every day that we unfortunately have to report these losses is a reminder of how serious this situation is and the obligation we all have to help prevent the loss of additional South Carolinians,” said Brannon Traxler, a DHEC medical consultant. “Social distancing and staying home can help save lives.”
Also according to Wednesday’s data:
- Charleston County experienced the largest increase of cases with 48. Meanwhile, Richland County posted 28 new cases, and Lexington County saw seven.
- Allendale County saw its first case.
- Cases of COVID-19 now span 43 of the state’s 46 counties.
Numbers of cases are expected to continue to climb. State health officials are projecting more than 8,000 cases of COVID-19 by May 2, which could strain some hospitals that are short on supplies and staff members. Nurses at a Columbia-area medical center, Prisma Health, sounded alarms earlier this week after being discouraged from using protective equipment that would shield them from infection.
The nurses are part of a growing chorus who say health care workers charged with treating coronavirus patients lack adequate protection.
State health officials have been stocking up hospitals with medical equipment. Thus far, DHEC has received two shipments from the national stockpile of medical supplies, and a third shipment is expected.
As of Tuesday, DHEC officials said hospitals across the state are at 54% capacity. The CDC has said about 80% of those infected with the coronavirus will not require hospitalization.
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has made moves to slow the spread of COVID-19. Tuesday, he shuttered all nonessential businesses, including entertainment venues, gyms, hair salons and tattoo parlors. The governor has also allowed police to break up groups of three or more, ordered restaurants to close dining rooms and closed access points to state beaches and waterways.
New coronavirus cases announced Wednesday
- Aiken County: 5 cases
- Allendale County: 1 case
- Anderson County: 8 cases
- Bamberg County: 2 cases
- Barnwell County: 1 case
- Beaufort County: 10 cases
- Berkeley County: 3 cases
- Charleston County: 48 cases
- Chester County: 1 case
- Chesterfield County: 3 cases
- Clarendon County: 3 cases
- Dorchester County: 10 cases
- Edgefield County: 2 cases
- Fairfield County: 1 case
- Florence County: 2 cases
- Georgetown County: 1 case
- Greenville County: 23 cases
- Greenwood County: 1 case
- Horry County: 5 cases
- Jasper County: 1 case
- Kershaw County: 11 cases
- Lancaster County: 2 cases
- Laurens County: 1 case
- Lexington County: 7 cases
- Orangeburg County: 2 cases
- Richland County: 28 cases
- Spartanburg County: 8 cases
- Sumter County: 9 cases
- Williamsburg County: 1 case
- York County: 10 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 April 1, 2020 at 4:00 PM.
