CRHS updates pandemic visitation policy; COVID updates
By DEUCE NIVEN
tribdeuce@tabor-loris.com
Confirmation of a 51st COVID-19 related death and 38 newly confirmed cases in Columbus County, the daily total of new cases more than doubling in Horry from Wednesday, and updates to the pandemic related visitation policy at Columbus Regional Healthcare were all reported Thursday.
This post will cover these topics and may be updated:
- CRHS updates visitor restrictions
- Columbus confirms 51st COVID death, 38 new cases
- Horry new cases drop more than double Thursday
CRHS updates visitor restrictions
Some relaxing of visitation restrictions at Columbus Regional Healthcare’s flagship hospital in Whiteville are indicated in a policy update announced Thursday.
“Columbus Regional is constantly reviewing its policies to adapt to the latest changes of the COVID- 19 pandemic,” a news release said. “Part of that process includes reviewing the visitation policy.
“For many, having someone with them as they seek medical care can be helpful in decision making, while also providing support and understanding while receiving care. As a result, Columbus Regional has updated its visitation policy, restrictions, and exceptions.”
Under the new policy one designated visitor is allow per patient each day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with exceptions for maternity, surgery and pediatric patients, those at the end of life or with specific needs.
Visitors are not allowed for patients in the Emergency Department, Critical Care Unit, of if they have or may have COVID-19.
Access a downloaded copy of the complete revised policy here.
Patient safety is “the top priority,” at CRHS, the news release said, with “extensive cleaning and disinfecting protocols in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, visitors, and teammates.
“Do not ignore your healthcare needs, seek care when you need it. At Columbus Regional, care is COVID-Safe.”
Columbus confirms 51st COVID death, 38 new cases
Columbus County’s 51st COVID-19 related death and 38 residents newly confirmed with the coronavirus were reported by the Columbus County Health Department in its second of two weekly updates Thursday.
That death took place Tuesday, the patient in the hospital at the time, the health department reported.
With the newly confirmed infections the county’s confirmed pandemic case total reached 1,090. Six new cases were confirmed after the health department’s report Monday, ten Tuesday, twelve Wednesday, and ten so far today (Thursday,” the department’s news release said.
“There are currently four Columbus County residents that are hospitalized due to COVID-19,” the department reported. “There have been 933 COVID-19 recoveries in Columbus County.”
Currently there are 106 active COVID cases in the county.
Zip Code data, released daily by the NC Department of Health and Human Services, showed three newly confirmed cases in the Tabor City and Whiteville areas Thursday, two in Clarendon, Chadbourn and Riegelwood, and one each in Hallsboro, Evergreen and Delco.
North Carolina reported 2,091 new COVID infections and 24 related deaths Thursday, the pandemic total now 161,076 and 2,091 respectively.
Hospitalizations related to COVID-19 were down by 46 from Wednesday, the total now 958.
Horry new cases drop more than double Thursday
Newly confirmed COVID-19 cases continue to see-saw in Horry County, with Thursday’s data from South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control showing 49 new cases, more than double the 20 shown Wednesday.
There were no new COVID related deaths in Thursday’s DHEC data, none since Aug. 22, the five-day streak among the longest since the pandemic began.
Horry has recorded 9,156 coronavirus infections, 168 related deaths, during the pandemic.
Two of the newly confirmed cases were in the Loris area, DHEC Zip Code data showed, none in Green Sea, those pandemic totals 534 and 36 respectively.
Statewide South Carolina reported 424 new COVID cases and 42 new deaths Thursday, the pandemic totals now 113,107 and 2,494 respectively.
There were 1,006 COVID patients being treated in South Carolina hospitals Thursday, that number down by 52 from Wednesday.
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.
