Tabor Commons reports first three COVID cases; Columbus marks sixth death, three new confirmations; another three in Horry includes one in Loris area

By DEUCE NIVEN

tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com

     A sixth COVID-19 death in Columbus County came as Tabor Commons Assisted Living in Tabor City reported its first case, both Columbus and Horry counties marked three new confirmations, one in the Loris area.

     This post will cover these topics and may be updated:

• Tabor Commons reports first three coronavirus cases
• Sixth death, three new COVID case confirmations in Columbus
• Three new confirmations in Horry, one in Loris area, brings pandemic total to 201

Tabor Commons reports first three coronavirus cases

     Tabor Commons Assisted Living in Tabor City has reported its first three COVID-19 positive cases at the facility, all residents, RenCare Solutions President Lauren Reavis Ware said Saturday.

     Confirmation that one resident had tested positive for the coronavirus came Friday afternoon, with two more on Saturday Ware said.

     In a news release announcing the first case confirmation, Ware said “We have been in contact and will continue working closely with the local health department.”

     All three of the residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 are in quarantine at the facility, and steps are being taken to provide a negative pressure area for them, Ware said.

     Outside visitors have been kept from the facility since last month, when state leaders issued guidance to try to keep the disease out of congregate care facilities, Ware said.

     No staff member is known to have contracted COVID-19, Ware said

     “Due to resident confidentiality we cannot provide any more detailed information at this time,” the news release said. “We simply ask for well wishes and prayers for our residents and staff from the community.

     “We appreciate the support we have already received from our residents, staff, and their families.”

Sixth death, three new COVID case confirmations in Columbus

     A sixth person infected with COVID-19 in Columbus Count died Saturday, the Columbus County Health Department reported.

     Another three people have also tested positive for the coronavirus, the health department reported.

     Among dozens who have tested positive for the disease in the county, the person who died was not hospitalized.

     “To protect the families’ privacy, no further information about this individual will be released,” a health department news release said. “We offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to all of the individuals’ family and friends in this very difficult time.”

     With the three new confirmed cases a total of 90 people have tested positive for COVID-19 in the county.

     Investigation could not find the source of infection for the three new cases,” the news release said. “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.

     “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.

     Preventive measures against COVID-19, recommended by the Columbus County Health Department, include:

• Social distancing (e.g. avoiding crowds, self-quarantining)
• Wearing a mask or face covering when in public places
• 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

     Statewide there are 8,623 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 95 North Carolina counties Saturday, up 571 from Friday, with 289 total deaths, the NC Department of Health and Human Services reported.

     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.

Three new confirmations in Horry, one in Loris area, brings pandemic total to 201

     Testing has confirmed three more Horry County residents have contracted COVID-19, bringing the county total to 201, South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control reported Saturday.

     One of those new cases was in the Loris Zip Code, bringing that total to 16. One case has been previously listed in the Green Sea Zip Code.

     Statewide there have been 5,253 positive tests returned for COVID-19 in South Carolina, up by 180 from Friday. Nine additional deaths in the state reported Saturday brings that total to 166.

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.