More than 2,400 cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina; three more deaths reported

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - State health officials have announced 187 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and three additional deaths in South Carolina.

This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in the state to 2,417, and those who have died to 51, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The additional deaths occurred in patients who were elderly with underlying health conditions, DHEC reported on Tuesday.

One patient lived in Greenville, and the two other patients lived in Lexington.

There have been a total of 23,680 tests for coronavirus in South Carolina, with 21,263 people testing negative and 2,417 testing positive. Those totals include numbers from DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory and from private laboratories.

Currently, Richland County has the most positive cases with 340 followed by Charleston County with 305.

State health officials say Dorchester County lost a case from their total counts as the case was determined to be a resident of another county.

The number of new cases reported on Tuesday, April 7 include 1 in Beaufort County, 3 in Charleston County, 6 in Georgetown County, 1 in Orangeburg County and 3 in Williamsburg County.

According to the latest data projections by DHEC, South Carolina is expected to have the highest number of deaths from the virus on April 29 with 14 deaths.

Late Monday night, DHEC officials estimated that there may be more than 14,000 people who could have the virus. State health officials said these estimated cases were calculated based on evidence that for every known case of COVID-19, there could be up to 9 people with the virus who remain unidentified in the community.

DHEC officials reported that as of Tuesday morning that 5,594 hospital beds were available and 6,376 were being used which is a 53.3 percent statewide hospital bed utilization rate.

According to a report, the overall trend this week has been in greater hospital bed availability, specifically a 5 percent decrease in hospital bed use since March 23.

Also on Tuesday, DHEC shared a template for standing sneeze guards online. State health officials said the 30x30″ guards were developed for the community, and stand on a counter or desk and contain a clear film which acts as a barrier between people

“Using the guards may help reduce the spread of COVID-19,” DHEC officials said. “These guards can be produced by a printing company using the downloadable print files. Download print files.”

DHEC officials say they have ordered 2,500 sneeze guards for use in statewide DHEC and South Carolina Department Motor Vehicle offices, and convenient stores and restaurants while supplies last.

“Since the demand has been high, we are making the template available online for individuals to use,” state health officials said.

DHEC is continuing to encourage South Carolinians to stay home and minimize contact with people outside their home to prevent the spread of the disease.

Health officials also recommended the following steps that the public should be doing:

• Monitoring for symptoms
• Practicing social distancing
• Avoiding touching frequently touched items
• Regularly washing your hands

“Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider or use the telehealth services provided by several health care systems,” DHEC officials said.

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