SC coronavirus cases soar to 1,700 with 147 new cases reported Friday, 3 more deaths
The number of coronavirus cases reported in South Carolina rose by 147 on Friday, state health officials announced.
There are now 1,700 known cases of COVID-19 in the state, including cases in every county. At least 34 deaths in the state have been attributed to coronavirus, including three deaths newly reported Friday.
“Nearly every day we learn of a new case that is the result of an unexpected encounter or an unknown source,” said Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist with the S.c. Department of Health and Environmental Control. “Each new case represents a real person.”
Coronavirus infections have now been detected in all 46 counties. Richland County, the seat of the state capital, saw the largest increase in reported cases Friday, with 24 new infections. Richland County now has 224 known cases of COVID-19.
Neighboring Lexington County now has 78 known cases of the virus, including eight new infections reported Friday.
The three newly reported coronavirus deaths were people older than 60 who had underlying health conditions, according to DHEC. Two of the victims lived in Richland County, and one in Greenville County.
Gov. Henry McMaster directed DHEC to release data on the number of coronavirus cases by ZIP code starting Friday, as well as the estimated number of likely infected but untested people. That data is expected to be released later Friday evening.
McMaster also announced a pair of new executive orders Friday, one of which temporarily bans short-term rentals in the state, including at hotels, and the second of which closes a new wave of businesses deemed nonessential, including clothing and furniture stores.
The number of coronavirus cases is expected to continue to climb, with state health officials projecting more than 8,000 known cases of COVID-19 by May 2, which could strain some hospitals that are short on supplies and staff members.
Nurses at Columbia’s Prisma Health hospital system 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 said they do not have a full count of all health care workers in the state that have tested positive for COVID-19. They 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.
S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster has also made some 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.
He has not, however, issued a stay-at-home order, making South Carolina one of only 10 or fewer states that have not done so. Municipalities, including Columbia and Charleston, have passed such ordinances on their own.
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 3, 2020 at 4:57 PM.
