FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 22, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is investigating 22 additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the total number statewide to 195 cases* in 33 counties.

“We recognize the hardships that are facing many South Carolinians as we continue to respond to this ongoing public health event,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician. “We encourage the public to focus on things that each of us can do to limit the spread of illness by washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough, and practicing social distancing.”

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

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.

“This will be an extended response and it will take all of us working together to stop the spread of this virus,” Dr. Traxler said. “We want people to be prepared for more cases to occur and to continue to listen to and follow recommendations from public health officials.”

In addition to taking daily precautions for preventing against the spread of the disease, residents can take the following preparedness recommendations:

• Know the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if you become symptomatic
• If you're sick, stay home from work, school, and public events
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow
• Avoid contact with people who are sick
• Don’t share personal items
• Clean frequently touched surfaces
• Set up a separate room for sick household members
• Check in with family and friends who live alone, especially those who may be in a high-risk group

Additionally, residents can prepare for a possible illness or quarantine by:

• Periodically checking regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply at home
• Having nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins
• Getting copies and maintaining electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference
• Talking with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
• 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 (such as doorknobs and handrails), and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.
• Individuals looking for COVID-19 test results should call the health care provider or facility that collected their test sample.
• Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider. For information about the nationwide response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.gov.

Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider. For information about the nationwide response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.gov.

*As new information is provided to the department, some changes in cases may occur. Cases are reported based on the individual’s county of residence, as it is provided to the department. DHEC’s COVID-19 map will adjust to reflect any reclassified cases.

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