South Carolinians must stay alert and aware in the fight to stop COVID-19’s spread

As our country and state reopen, South Carolinians return to work and people increasingly participate in recreational activities that might involve crowds, we must not lose sight of the fact that COVID-19 is still a serious threat to all of us.

There have been reports from across the country that people may have contracted COVID-19 while attending recent events and gatherings. And it doesn’t take hard data to observe that many people aren’t socially distancing, aren’t avoiding group gatherings and aren’t wearing masks in public.

Here in South Carolina, recent increases in COVID-19 data trends have health experts concerned that case rates could continue to rise. The numbers began to rise in the days following weekends and special events where large numbers of people were not practicing prevention measures.

As expected part of the increase in COVID-19 cases is likely a result of increased testing efforts across South Carolina. But other factors, including gatherings at which people do not practice safety measures, could be in play as well.

There is still a significant risk of being exposed to the virus in a public setting in any community — and large gatherings with no social distancing and without the proper use of masks can fuel the spread. The more people we expose ourselves to, the more we multiply the risk of being exposed to the virus.

Make no mistake: it is important to restart our state’s economy. But without each of us doing our part, we could see an unwelcome leap in the number of COVID-19 cases in South Carolina.

Fortunately, many people are finding ways to safely open their businesses or hold events like graduations; they are doing so by planning carefully and paying attention to crowd density and safety measures. It’s going to take that kind of individual responsibility, care and commitment from us all to stop this virus.

In addition the Department of Health and Environmental Control and our partners must continue to identify COVID-19 hot spots as soon as possible — and then help local communities take actions to avoid wider outbreaks.

While there is no way to determine exactly what activities might lead to an increase in cases, it’s proven that wearing masks, practicing social distancing and following recommendations to quarantine or isolate from others when we are ill all help reduce the spread.

The more South Carolinians take these necessary steps each day to reduce exposures, the more we can expect to see data trends begin to decrease —and more signs that COVID-19 is spreading less across the state.

Everyone should take the following precautions:

▪ Maintain social distancing by staying at least 6 feet from others.

▪ Wear a cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth while in public.

▪ Avoid touching frequently touched items.

▪ Monitor for symptoms.

▪ Wash your hands on a regular basis.

▪ Stay home if you’re sick.

We know that what we are asking everyone to continue to do is not easy. Attractions and restaurants are reopening, summer is coming and beaches are accessible. That is an inviting environment — and the more we see others move around, the more we will want to join in the fun.

But as we move about for work or fun, let’s continue our collective effort to control the spread of this virus and ultimately save lives. Together, we can stay SC strong.

Dr. Bell is state epidemiologist and director of the Bureau of Communicable Disease Prevention and Control at the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.