Employees at SC pharmacy that serves 400,000 veterans test positive for coronavirus
Two employees who work at a South Carolina pharmacy that serves more than 400,000 veterans have tested positive for COVID-19, VA officials told The State.
The recently-diagnosed coronavirus patients work at the VA Consolidated Mail Out Pharmacy (CMOP) in Charleston, Veterans Affairs officials said Wednesday.
Information on when the employees tested positive for COVID-19 was not available.
Both workers are currently in home isolation, to reduce spreading the coronavirus to VA patients and other staff, officials said.
The VA pharmacy is continuing operations, as officials said it provides an essential service by filling about 600,000 prescriptions every week.
“These prescriptions must continue to be filled and delivered as this service directly impacts the health of veteran patients, many of whom have multiple health conditions, enabling them to remain at home and follow the CDC precaution guidelines during this time,” VA officials said.
There was no word if veterans receiving prescriptions were contacted following the confirmed cases of the coronavirus.
Officials did not say if anyone else who came in close contact with the employees who were diagnosed with COVID-19 had been tested, or if they are in quarantine.
Pharmacy employees are having their temperatures checked, as part of the CDC guidelines that VA officials said they are following. This includes deep cleaning the facility on a regular basis.
Additionally, all employees are now wearing masks while working at the pharmacy, officials said.
At Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center hospital in Charleston, four employees have tested positive for COVID-19, according to VA officials. All four are at in-home isolation, officials said.
People over 65, and those with underlying medical conditions are at higher risk for getting seriously ill from the coronavirus, according to the CDC.
In South Carolina, 63 people have died after testing positive for COVID-19, the Department of Health and Environmental Control reported. Health officials described 59 of the people as elderly, and all but four had underlying medical conditions.
“There is currently no cure or vaccine,” the South Carolina Emergency Management Division said.
On Wednesday, 139 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 2,552 confirmed COVID-19 cases in all 46 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that 12 more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus.
There have been 22,082 combined negative tests at DHEC’s public health laboratory and at private labs.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Thursday morning, 1,496,055 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 89,435 people have died, while 336,780 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 432,438 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 14,808 deaths have been reported, including 4,571 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
This story was originally published April 9, 2020 at 8:25 AM.
