York County sees 13 new coronavirus cases. Lancaster, Chester counties each add one
Thirteen new cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, were reported Saturday in York County, health officials said. One new case was reported each in Chester and Lancaster counties.
South Carolina health officials were investigating 121 new cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, as of Saturday, reports the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
York County now has 31 positive cases, Chester County two and Lancaster County nine, DHEC reports.
Officials said the large increase is due to testing delays.
“This high number of cases is due to reporting cases from a backlog that had developed at DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory due to a nationwide shortage in the chemicals required for performing testing,” reads a release from DHEC. “As of yesterday, DHEC’s Laboratory has the necessary chemicals and is processing tests as normal.”
Two more people in the state have died from the virus, DHEC reported Saturday. Both patients were older individuals with underlying health problems.
South Carolina now has a total of 660 cases in 40 counties, reports DHEC. In total, 15 people have died.
The latest zip code information from DHEC reflects cases as of Friday.
The breakdown as of Friday in York County is:
- 29707 - 2 cases
- 29708 - 2 cases
- 29715 - 8 cases
- 29730 - 3 cases
- 29732 - 1 case
Two cases in York County do not have zip code information and new cases are not reflected, according to DHEC.
Chester County has one case in zip code 29706. Zip code information for the new case is not yet known.
Lancaster County has one case in 29067 zip code, one in 29646, one in 29707 and 3 in 29720, reports DHEC. Other zip code information has not been reported.
“All South Carolinians are encouraged to stay home and minimize contact with people outside their households to prevent the spread of the disease. Everyone is encouraged to monitor themselves for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items, and regularly wash their hands,” reads a release from DHEC.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published March 28, 2020 at 5:12 PM.
