More than 200 new cases of coronavirus and eight deaths confirmed in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control confirmed 237 new cases of the coronavirus on Sunday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 5,490.
Sunday’s update marked the seventh time since testing began in March that there were more than 200 reported new cases in a single day in the state. The largest single-day amount was 276 on April 16.
In addition to the new cases, state health officials said eight more people have died after testing positive for COVID-19, including one individual from Richland County.
The death toll in South Carolina has now reached 174.
State health officials described 146 of the people with confirmed cases as being elderly, and 28 patients as being middle-aged.
Of the 237 new cases, 50 of them are from Richland County. Richland continues to lead the state in positive coronavirus tests with 837.
There were 12 positive tests in Lexington County, bringing the number there to 329. Kershaw County had three positive tests reported Sunday and 218 overall.
There have been 45,272 combined negative tests at DHEC’s public health laboratory and at private labs.
According to projections from DHEC, officials expect to see 871 cases this week, from April 26 through May 2.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing and difficulty breathing, according to the Centers for Diease Control and Prevention. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice social distancing to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing means refraining from unnecessary interactions with sick people and staying away 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. 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 Sunday morning, 2,956,073 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 205,724 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 956,292 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 54,435 deaths have been reported, including 17,820 in New York City.
This story was originally published April 26, 2020 at 3:38 PM.
