Fourth COVID-19 death in Horry, fourth case in CC

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     A fourth death in Horry County resulting from complications from the coronavirus COVID-19 was reported by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Thursday as the fourth confirmed case of the disease was reported by the Columbus County Health Department.

     This post will cover these topics:

• Fourth COVID-19 death in Horry
• Fourth COVID-19 case in CC
• Grading guidance for Horry schools

Fourth COVID-19 death in Horry

     Eight newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Horry County by DHEC on Thursday, and the fourth local death from the disease.

     That brings to 50 the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Horry.

     Five coronavirus deaths from four counties in South Carolina were reported by DHEC Thursday. All “had underlying health conditions,” DHEC said. Statewide 261 new cases were confirmed Thursday, bringing the total in South Carolina to 1,554.

     Two deaths were reported in Florence County, one each in Anderson and Sumter counties.

     “There are now documented cases of COVID-19 in every county across our state,” said DHEC physician Dr. Brannon Traxler. “The level in which it continues to spread will hinge on all of our actions.

     “Please do your part and stay home and limit your close contact with others.”

Fourth COVID-19 case in CC

     A fourth COVID-19 case was confirmed in Columbus County Thursday, a Columbus County Health Department news release said.

     “The individual is requiring a stay in the hospital,” the news release said.

     Health Department staff is following US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines “to protect public health and limit the spread of infection,” the news release said. “Based on information provided by the individual, county public health officials will assess risks of exposure, and determine which, if any, additional measures are needed such as temperature and symptom checks, quarantine and/or testing.”

     No additional information was provided regarding the patient.

     Information on the number of COVID-19 performed in the county is no longer available, because the NC Department of Health and Human Services is no longer requiring test providers to report the number of tests given, only positive results.

     Individuals that have mild symptoms may not be tested and sent home to quarantine,” a CC Health news release said. “We will continue to provide updates going forward and we will alert the public if/when more positives are reported.”

     Social distancing and common-sense health habits, including washing hands, remain essential, the health department said.

     “It is up to each of us to come together and do our part to stop this deadly virus,” the news release said. “The Columbus County Health Department would like to continue to remind everyone of the recommended measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

     Those recommendations include:

• Social distancing (e.g. avoiding crowds, self-quarantining, etc.)
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water, and for at least 20 seconds each time
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are ill
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw it away, and then wash your hands
• Do not reuse tissue after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose
• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched

     Regularly updated information from the Columbus County Health Department is available on its Facebook page here.

     Columbus County Health Department’s COVID-19 Call Center is also operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 910-640-6615 ext. 7045 or 7046.

Grading guidance for Horry schools

     Final grading guidance has been issues by the South Carolina Department of Education, with a focus on high school courses that grant credits.

     “Horry County Schools is working with the State Department of Education to develop a framework that aligns with the direction given by the state and puts a priority on ensuring seniors can complete all necessary coursework to graduate with their class,” a news release said. Read more here.

     New Grading Guidance Relating to Students With Disabilities can be viewed here.

     Free Student Meal Waiver: A new USDA waiver enables the county schools to allow adults to pick up meals for a student even if the child is not present. An official roster will be available for parents to document appropriate required information.

     Learn more about our student meal pick-up/delivery locations and a new interactive map here.

Updates

     Look for continuing coverage on local impacts from the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak here and in the Tabor-Loris Tribune in print and online.