Coronavirus
Six new COVID-19 deaths reported across SC; 217 additional cases also announced
The Department of Health and Environmental Control Saturday announced six new deaths related to COVID-19, the most reported in a single day across South Carolina during the coronavirus pandemic.
All six deaths occurred among patients who were 60 or older and had underlying health conditions, officials said. Two were in Lexington County while there were individual deaths in Richland, Beaufort, Georgetown and York counties.
The six deaths brought the total number of coronavirus deaths in South Carolina to 40.
Officials also announced Saturday that an additional 217 cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus have been reported statewide. That brings the total number of cases in South Carolina to 1,917; just a month ago there were no known cases across the state.
All 46 counties and just under half of the state’s 603 ZIP codes have now reported at least one case of the virus.
On Friday the Department of Health and Environmental Control announced that a total of 18,314 tests have been administered by public and private labs in the state as of April 3, resulting in 16,397 negative tests.
On Saturday, Charleston County, which leads the state in total infections, added 27 new cases; meanwhile, Richland County added 18 more to remain second in total cases.
Lexington County saw its total near triple digits with 95 total — an increase of 17 from the day before.
Kershaw County, once the epicenter of the state’s outbreak, added just five new cases Saturday; it was that county’s smallest increase in six days.
However, the number of coronavirus cases across South Carolina is still expected to continue to climb; state health officials are projecting more than 8,000 known cases of COVID-19 by May 2 — which in turn could strain some hospitals that are short on supplies and staff members.
Nurses at Columbia’s Prisma Health hospital system sounded alarms earlier this week after being discouraged from using protective equipment that would shield them from infection. The nurses are part of a growing chorus who say health care workers charged with treating coronavirus patients lack adequate protection.
State health officials have said they do not have a full count of all the health care workers in South Carolina who have tested positive for COVID-19. They been stocking up hospitals with medical equipment; thus far the state Department of Health and Environmental Control has received two shipments from the national stockpile of medical supplies and a third shipment is expected.
Gov. Henry McMaster has issued numerous executive orders aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Among other steps McMaster has closed all schools through at least April, directed restaurants to only serve takeout or drive-through, given police more discretion to to break up groups of three or more and closed access points to state beaches and waterways.
In recent days McMaster issued more orders shuttering all nonessential businesses in two waves, including entertainment venues, gyms, hair salons, tattoo parlors and clothing and furniture stores. He also temporarily banned short-term rentals in the state, including at hotels, and asked visitors from “hot spots” like New York and New Orleans to self-quarantine for 14 days upon entering South Carolina.
However, McMaster has declined to issue a stay-at-home order, calling South Carolina “unique” and arguing that the incremental measures he has taken are aggressive enough to combat the virus.
South Carolina is one of only 10 states that have not formally issued such an order, which contains many of the some provisions as McMaster’s orders. Several municipalities in the state, including Columbia and Charleston, have passed such ordinances on their own.
BEHIND OUR REPORTING
What 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.