After employee tests positive for coronavirus, SC company closes to clean, CEO says
A South Carolina company was closed Monday after it was learned an employee was presumed to test positive for coronavirus, the CEO said.
The Spartanburg County man recently returned from a trip to Italy and began experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, officials with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said Sunday.
Ritrama Inc., CEO Lucio Siano said the man works in manufacturing at the Spartanburg County branch of the company, WYFF reported.
The Moore location of the international company that produces self-adhesive material is about 85 miles northwest of Columbia.
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MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
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.
On his return from Italy, the employee traveled through Charlotte Douglas International Airport on March 2, officials told the Charlotte Observer.
He experienced coronavirus symptoms March 3, and was reported to DHEC on March 5, per WHNS.
The employee is not hospitalized and is currently isolated at home, DHEC said.
He is one of six people in South Carolina presumed to have tested positive for coronavirus, and the first in the Upstate, according to DHEC. The Spartanburg County man has no known connections to the other South Carolina residents who are presumptive positive cases, DHEC said.
Siano said he, and several other employees who came in contact with the man, have been ordered to quarantine at home, WHNS reported.
There are 138 employees at the plant, and Siano said they have been informed about the presumed positive coronavirus test, according to WYFF.
The Spartanburg County facility was not ordered to close by DHEC, and Siano said he hopes it will reopen Tuesday, per WSPA.
It will reopen when it has been cleaned and sanitized, according to WLTX.
“It’s important to remember that each individual is responsible for their own actions and personal hygiene,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Sunday. “If you feel sick, stay home and contact your doctor.”
McMaster previously announced that MUSC is opening up a telemedicine program that South Carolina residences can visit online to talk about any flu-like symptoms so that state health officials can know about any cases of coronavirus quickly. The service is free to South Carolinians and can be accessed at musc.care. Click on the COVID19 link at the top. The password for South Carolina residents is covid19.
As of Monday, 113,575 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 3,995 people have died, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 604 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. Twenty-two deaths have been reported, including 17 in King County, Washington, according to Johns Hopkins University and NBC News.
Symptoms of coronavirus vary from mild to severe and include coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
The best way to prevent infection is to 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.
The U.S. Surgeon General has urged members of the public to avoid buying protective masks because they are ineffective at preventing coronavirus, and buying them saps vital resources for health officials who need them.
DHEC is following guidance from the CDC and officials said they do not recommend closing schools or canceling public events at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
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MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
