Another death, 11 new COVID-19 cases in Horry; case count climbs by six in Columbus; agencies step up to fill suspended Horry School’s food program

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     An additional death and 11 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Horry County Friday, six new cases in Columbus, as totals continue to grow in the Tabor-Loris Community and surrounding areas.

     This post will cover these topics and may be updated:

• Six new COVID-19 cases in Columbus
• Eighth death as COVID count climbs by 11 in Horry
• United Way, Impact Ministries step in to fill Horry School’s food program void

Six new cases in Columbus

     Six new COVID-19 cases confirmed for Columbus County on Friday increased the total count by five, to 155, from Thursday, the Columbus County Health Department reported.

     “Due to a current positive case being reassigned to another county, the total number of COVID-19 cases in Columbus County is 55,” a health department news release said. “Investigation found that all of the six new cases are connected to previous positive cases.

     “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.”

     Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Whiteville revealed Friday that a total of seven residents have tested positive for COVID-19, three more than reported last week.

     There are recoveries to report in Columbus County, eight of the 55 known to have been infected, the health department reported. There have been two associated deaths.

     “We are begging the public to take the necessary measures to stop the transmission of COVID-19,” the health department said. “The ONLY way to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 is social distancing; there is no vaccination.”

     “We are begging the public to take the necessary measures to stop the transmission of COVID-19. The ONLY way to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 is social distancing; there is no vaccination.

     Statewide there are 5,859 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Carolina as of Friday, with 152 deaths.

     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.

Eighth death as COVID count climbs by 11 in Horry

     An eighth COVID-19 death and 11 new cases were confirmed by South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control Friday.

     That death involved an elderly individual with no underlying health conditions and brought the total killed by the coronavirus in Horry to eight, so far, DHEC reported.

     One of the 11 new COVID-19 cases came from the Loris Zip Code, that total now at 8, DHEC reported. One confirmed case in the Green Sea Zip Code has been reported previously, that number unchanged Friday.

     Statewide there are 4,086 confirmed COVID-19 cases in South Carolina, on Friday, up by 163 from Thursday, with two new deaths bringing that total to 116.

Filling the void left by Horry Schools’ meals suspension

     United Way of Horry County (UWHC) and Impact Ministries are stepping in to fill the void left by the suspension of “grab-and-go” meals for students provided by the Horry County Schools since the COVID-19 crisis forces public schools statewide to close.

     School district leaders suspended the program for two weeks, effective Thursday of this week, after school district employees in three attendance areas tested positive for the virus. One died.

     Distribution is scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, or while supplies last, at Living Water Baptist Church, 1569 SC 9 in Longs; and the same hours next Wednesday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2010 North Oak Street in Myrtle Beach. Entry will be at the Oak Street entrance.

     “There is a limit of one pick up per family per week,” a United Way news release said. “Volunteers will place the box in the trunk of the car.

     “In order to receive a food box, individuals will need to present their ID. Food distribution will begin at 3 p.m. sharp when the parking lot opens.”

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.