DHEC: Database issue leads to delay in COVID-19 deaths reported

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - State health officials say a database issue has led to delays in COVID-19 deaths being reported.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control said a system upgrade to their Vital Statistics system led to the slow down of deaths being reported in a timely manner by coroners and other medical officials who confirm and record death in the state.

Due to the upgrade issue, DHEC announced on Thursday 254 confirmed and probable COVID-19 deaths for individuals who died over the last several weeks.

“The state’s fourth pediatric death is included in this reporting, occurring on January 23,” DHEC officials said. “South Carolina has a total of 6,903 individuals who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.”

DHEC officials said they first announced the Vital Statistics upgrades to their system in December.

“Although the system operated smoothly during trials with the vendor, once the system went live in early January, DHEC’s Vital Records became aware of system glitches and immediately contacted the vendor as well as users of the system to have the problems fixed as quickly as possible,” state health officials said on Thursday.

“While the vendor worked to remedy the issues, DHEC’s Office of Vital Records dedicated a 24-hour phone number to assist coroners and others who use the database,” DHEC officials said. “The updated Vital Statistics system is now fully operational.”

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