S.C. reports first COVID-19-related death

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says the state has its first death related to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

DHEC says an elderly person who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility died. DHEC did not say the name, age or sex of the person who died.

“We regret to report that South Carolina has suffered its first death in an elderly person recently reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Physician Consultant, said. “Our state health officials continue to work with national and local partners to respond to this ongoing public health matter.”

DHEC is working with the facility to identify all contacts and is providing guidance about infection control measures to prevent the spread.

“We know that many South Carolinians are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves, their loved ones, and our state,” Traxler said. “This is a rapidly evolving public health event, and DHEC takes every new infectious disease seriously. This is an example of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, like the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”

DHEC emphasizes the importance of practicing disease prevention measures and following recommendations for social distancing to protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians.

This includes:

Washing your hand frequently
covering your coughs and sneezes
Staying home when you’re sick
Appropriately disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.

DHEC will alert the public on all COVID-19-related deaths.