COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Saturday announced 226 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 11 additional deaths.
Dillon County had 13 new cases of COVID-19, according to the latest numbers from SCDHEC as of 5/1/2020 at 11:59 p.m. Dillon County now has 67 reported cases of COVID-19, 412 estimated cases, and 479 possible cases. (*DHEC says estimated cases are 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.)
Saturday’s announcement brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 6,489 and those who have died to 267.
Nine of the deaths occurred in elderly individuals from Edgefield (1), Florence (1), Greenville (1), Laurens (1), Lee (1), Lexington (1), and Richland (3) counties. Two of the deaths occurred in middle-aged individuals from Richland (1) and Sumter (1) counties.
How South Carolinians Can Protect Themselves
Evidence is increasing about the high rates of infection in people who do not have symptoms and don’t know they are infectious. This places everyone at risk of getting the virus or unknowingly transmitting it to someone else. South Carolinians are encouraged to stay home and minimize contact with people outside their households to prevent the spread of the disease. Other steps the public should take include:
* Practicing social distancing
* Wearing a mask while out in public
* Avoiding touching frequently touched items
* Regularly washing your hands
* Monitoring for symptoms
Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider or use the telehealth services provided by several health care systems. For telehealth options and the latest information about DHEC’s COVID-19 response efforts, please visit scdhec.gov/COVID-19. Visit scdmh.net for stress, anxiety and mental health resources from the S.C. Department of Mental Health.
