Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update - 22 Additional Cases Announced

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) UPDATE

22 ADDITIONAL CASES ANNOUNCED

RESIDENTS URGED TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PREVENTION PRECAUTIONS

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I just received Governor McMaster's most recent press release, and as of 4:00 pm today, SCDHEC is reporting 22 additional cases of COVID-19 bringing the total number of cases in South Carolina to 195 across 33 counties, as follows:

New positive cases

Beaufort County: 2 cases
Berkeley County: 1 case
Charleston County: 4 cases
Colleton County: 1 case
Darlington County: 1 case
Greenville County: 2 cases
Hampton County: 1 case
Horry County: 2 cases
Kershaw County: 1 case
Lancaster County: 2 cases
Richland County: 3 cases
York County: 2 cases

To stay abreast of the number of cases being reported by county, please visit DHEC’s map at COVID-19 map.

As more is learned and announced, DHEC also will continue to update its website at scdhec.gov/COVID19. Please access this site for more detailed information and to stay up-to-date on the latest national recommendations.

Please remember these important steps we can take to help stay healthy, as recommended by the CDC:

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

a. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).

b. Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Clean your hands often

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid Close Contact

Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Stay home if you’re sick

Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

If you have any questions or concerns about this update, please let me know.

Be safe and stay vigilant. We will get through this as a community together.'

Best,