Second Charleston police officer tests positive for COVID-19; mayor suggests citizens wear masks

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Officials with the Charleston Police Department say a second officer has tested positive for COVID-19.

Chief Luther Reynolds announced the new case during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon held by Mayor John Tecklenburg who was updating the public on the city’s efforts against the virus.

“Not surprisingly, the more we’re out in the community, the more we’re having contact with people in the community, and the more likely we’re going to be exposed and test positive," Reynolds said.

Reynolds said it’s probable that more officers will likely test positive.

“We need to do everything we can as the mayor has said form day one to flatten this curve and I believe we’re doing that,” he said.

During the Tuesday presser, Tecklenburg suggested that citizens wear a mask when out in public, and is encouraging people to make homemade masks through guidelines set out by the CDC.

The mayor also announced that there were five more cases of COVID-19 in Charleston County.

“Now, for a total of 305, and I believe that this is evidence that if we socially distance ourselves, and are really mindful of of that six foot difference, and mindful of staying home and staying at work that we can in fact flatten the curve and put a lid on the spread of this virus here locally,” Tecklenburg said.

State health officials announced Tuesday afternoon that there were 187 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and three additional deaths in South Carolina.

According to the mayor, College of Charleston researchers believe 240,800 hospitality jobs have been lost in the last three weeks.

Tecklenburg issued a “stay at home” order that took effect on March 26.

The original order was set to continue for at least two weeks, which means it would expire later this week unless Tecklenburg chooses to extend it.

On Monday, Gov. Henry McMaster issued a “Home or Work” order that requires citizens to stay at home unless they are going to work, visiting family, picking up food, groceries or prescriptions.

That order takes effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will remain in effect until the state of emergency ends, McMaster said.

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