Rate of new COVID-19 cases down in Horry, up in Columbus
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
A one-day snapshot that may well prove statistically insignificant showed a marked decline in the rate of newly confirmed coronavirus COVID-19 in Horry County, the largest single-day increase so far in Columbus.
Horry County numbers were reported by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, while the Columbus County Health Department and NC Department of Health and Human Services numbers were in agreement Saturday afternoon.
This post will cover these topics and may be updated:
- New COVID-19 cases decline in Horry
- Another six COVID-19 cases in Columbus, total now 31
New COVID-19 cases decline in Horry
Relatively bright news for Horry County came in Saturday’s DHEC numbers, with eight new COVID-19 cases, a marked decrease from the 18 new cases reported Friday.
Horry’s confirmed COVID-19 total reached 132, with DHEC estimates that the uncounted total could range from 811 to 943.
A Zip Code breakdown showed five cases in the Loris area, just one for Green Sea, those numbers unchanged from Friday.
Horry County’s latest COVID-19 case count did not include any new deaths, that total steady at seven.
Statewide there are 3,207 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina, up by 144 from Friday, with 80 deaths, eight of those newly reported Saturday.
Another six COVID-19 cases in Columbus
Another six coronavirus COVID-19 have been confirmed in Columbus County, a CC Health Department news release Saturday afternoon said.
“This brings the total number of COVID-19 cases in Columbus County to 31,” the news release said. “The source of infection is unknown for all six cases. We strongly urge the public to take the necessary measures to stop the community transmission of COVID-19.
“The Columbus County Health Department will continue to follow CDC guidelines to protect public health and limit the spread of infection. Based on information provided by the individuals, 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.”
Additional demographic information was included in the news release, showing most of the cases involving people from 25 to 49 years of age and older than 64, cases almost evenly divided among white and African American individuals, more than twice as many women than men infected.
That information was taken from the North Carolina Electronic Disease Surveillance System, a function of the state’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Columbus County has recorded one death, a male who passed away in a Fayetteville hospital.
Two group homes in Columbus County, Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Whiteville and Premier Living and Rehab Center at Lake Waccamaw, have reported confirmed COVID-19 cases, The News Reporter in Whiteville reported.
Premier Living revealed late Friday a contract worker and a resident already in the hospital have been confirmed as positive for the disease.
Liberty Commons has reported four patients and a staff member as testing positive, including two residents whose positive test results were announced Friday.
Statewide there are 4,312 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina Saturday, with 80 deaths.
Regularly updated information from the Columbus County Health Department is available on its Facebook page at Facebook.com/columbuscountyhealth.
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.
This post will cover these topics and will be updated:
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.
