COLUMBIA, SC (WBTW) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating 103 additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the total number statewide to 298 cases* in 34 counties.
Gov. McMaster authorized all law enforcement officers to disperse outside gatherings of three or more on Thursday. “We must not have these sorts of gatherings that are invitations for infections,” the governor said.
The governor said the directive applies to parties on the beach, gatherings, concerts, spontaneous gatherings, unruly gatherings in shopping centers or parking lots. “What it does not apply to or is not intended to apply to is law-abiding businesses or employers. It’s difficult to draw the line, but we know it when we see it.”
“Don’t be in a public place because we must all assume we have the virus, and we must all assume that the people we’re talking to have the virus,” The governor said. “If we all take those precautions, chances are the virus isn’t going to spread.”
New positive cases
- Anderson County: 5 cases
- Beaufort County: 7 cases
- Berkeley County: 2 case
- Charleston County: 17 cases
- Chester County: 1 case
- Clarendon County: 3 cases
- Dorchester County: 1 case
- Darlington County: 2 cases
- Fairfield County: 1 case
- Florence County: 2 cases
- Horry County: 5 cases
- Kershaw County: 10 cases
- Lancaster County: 2 cases
- Lee County: 1 case
- Lexington County: 5 cases
- Georgetown County: 2 cases
- Greenville County: 12 cases
- Oconee County: 1 case
- Orangeburg County: 5 cases
- Richland County: 14 cases
- Spartanburg County: 1 case
- Sumter County: 1 case
- York County: 3 cases
“Don’t be in a public place because we must all assume that we have the virus, and we must all assume that the people we’re talking to have the virus. If we all take those precautions, chances are the virus isn’t going to spread,” Gov. McMaster said on Monday.
Please note that today’s reported cases include two days’ worth of DHEC Public Health Laboratory testing. Due to a shipment delay from one of our lab suppliers, yesterday’s lab results were run later than usual and received after the 4 p.m. daily update. DHEC’s COVID-19 webpage is updated daily with a map of positive cases as well as the most current recommendations for protecting against COVID-19.
“Everyone copes with stress differently, so please be thoughtful of how others are feeling during this time,” said Dr. Traxler. “It is also important for all of us, especially those of us who are most vulnerable to getting sick from the virus, to protect our mental and emotional health.”
In addition to taking precautions to stop the spread of germs, residents are encouraged to take the following steps to help protect your mental and emotional health:
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about COVID-19 or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body: eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind and participate in activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
Individuals with signs of illness are asked to stay at home and not attend public gatherings. South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items (like doorknobs and handrails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.
Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider. Several South Carolina health systems are offering telehealth options to the public. For telehealth options and the latest information about DHEC’s COVID-19 response efforts, please visit scdhec.gov/COVID-19.
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