Richland County has 24 new coronavirus cases for the second day in a row
Richland County on Friday announced 24 new cases of coronavirus, the second day in a row the county has seen the number of cases grow by double digits.
Just on Thursday, the county announced another 24 cases. The total number of infections countywide now stands at 224.
At least three people have died of coronavirus in Richland County.
Also on Thursday, 1,554 coronavirus cases were confirmed statewide, including 31 COVID-related deaths.
The news comes as the state moves toward releasing more specific data breaking down cases by ZIP code. Gov. Henry McMaster directed the Department of Health and Environmental Control to release the data on Friday.
The coronavirus outbreak continues to affect the economy as well, as nearly 4,700 Richland County residents filed for unemployment benefits last week alone, among the nearly 65,000 South Carolinians who did so.
County leaders are looking at a potential countywide stay-at-home order requiring county residents to stay at home and avoid social gatherings and non-essential travel, similar to restrictions that have already been put in place in Columbia.
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 3:09 PM.
.jpg)