FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 28, 2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) today announced two additional deaths related to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. This brings the state’s total number of deaths to 15.

Both patients were elderly individuals who had underlying health conditions. One patient was a resident of Richland County and one of Horry County.

“Our sincere sympathies are with the family and friends of these individuals as well as the family and friends of everyone who has lost someone to this disease,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician. “Having to report two additional deaths today is a critical reminder of how serious this situation is and how we all have a responsibility to protect ourselves and our communities from the spread of COVID-19.”

Additionally, DHEC is reporting 121 additional cases of COVID-19 today. This high number of cases is due to reporting cases from a backlog that had developed at DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory due to a nationwide shortage in the chemicals required for performing testing. As of yesterday, DHEC’s Laboratory has the necessary chemicals and is processing tests as normal. The lab is operating extended hours and is testing samples seven days a week.

As of today, the total number statewide is 660 cases in 40 counties*. 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.

The number of new cases by county are listed below.

• Aiken County: 1 case
• Anderson County: 4 cases
• Beaufort County: 4 cases
• Berkeley County: 3 cases
• Charleston County: 16 cases
• Chester County: 1 case
• Clarendon County: 1 case
• Colleton County: 2 cases
• Dorchester County: 1 case
• Florence County: 1 case
• Georgetown County: 3 cases
• Greenville County: 6 cases
• Greenwood County: 1 case
• Horry County: 4 cases
• Kershaw County: 7 cases
• Lancaster County: 1 case
• Laurens County: 2 cases
• Lee County: 3 cases
• Lexington County: 5 cases
• Newberry County: 1 case
• Orangeburg County: 2 cases
• Pickens County: 3 cases
• Richland County: 16 cases
• Spartanburg County: 5 cases
• Sumter County: 14 cases
• Williamsburg County: 1 case
• York County: 13 cases

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.

###