FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 29, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced one additional death related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to 16.

The patient was an elderly individual from Horry County who had underlying health conditions.

 “Today’s announcement is a solemn reminder of how serious this disease is. It has challenged us as individuals and as a state and it has taken the lives of our neighbors and loved ones,” said Dr. Jonathan Knoche, DHEC physician. “We’re all in this together, and it is incumbent upon all of us to take action to stop the spread of COVID-19. If you can, we encourage you to please stay home and limit your close contact with others.”  

Additionally, DHEC is reporting 113 additional cases of COVID-19 today. As of today, the total number statewide is 774 cases in 40 counties*.

The number of new cases by county are listed below.

• Aiken County: 2 cases
• Anderson County: 5 cases
• Beaufort County: 11 cases
• Calhoun County: 1 case
• Charleston County: 8 cases
• Clarendon County: 9 cases
• Darlington County: 2 cases
• Edgefield County: 1 case
• Florence County: 1 case
• Georgetown County: 4 cases
• Greenville County: 14 cases
• Horry County: 3 cases
• Kershaw County: 5 cases
• Lancaster County: 4 cases
• Laurens County: 1 case
• Lexington County: 5 cases
• Marlboro County: 1 case
• Oconee County: 1 case
• Orangeburg County: 2 cases
• Pickens County: 1 case
• Richland County: 17 cases
• Spartanburg County: 4 cases
• Sumter County: 6 cases
• York County: 5 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.

All South Carolinians are encouraged to stay home and minimize contact with people outside their households to prevent the spread of the disease. Everyone is encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items, and regularly wash their hands.

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.

*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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