York County coronavirus cases top 220 as SC ‘home or work’ order lifts, officials say
Seven new cases of coronavirus were reported in York County over the weekend, and four cases were confirmed in Chester County, South Carolina health officials announced.
Lancaster County also reported two new cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, over the weekend, bringing its total to 101, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
On Sunday, DHEC reported 141 new cases of COVID-19 across the state for a total of 6,626 positive tests in all 46 counties.
There now have been 221 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in York County since the pandemic started, according to DHEC. Chester County has had 34 cases, according to DHEC.
In addition to the new cases, the agency announced Sunday that eight other individuals have died in Berekely, Clarendon, Greenville, Horry, Lexington, Richland and Spartanburg counties. All of the recent deaths involved elderly individuals, according to DHEC.
Based on DHEC’s count, there now have been 275 coronavirus-related deaths in South Carolina. Four residents in Lancaster County and three residents in York County have died after contracting the virus. Chester County has not reported any deaths.
On Friday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced his “work or home” order will be lifted Monday and restaurants, which had to close dine-in services in mid-March, will be able to start serving customers outdoors beginning May 4.
Officials in York, Chester and Lancaster counties said that while the economic impact of lifting the stay-at-home order is important for the economy and workers, so is continuing safe practices.
S.C. House Majority Leader Gary Simrill, R-Rock Hill, said the governor’s decision is best for the state’s economy and residents.
“I support Governor McMaster in his efforts to facilitate the ability for South Carolina to get back to work and small businesses to succeed,” Simrill said.
S.C. Rep. Bruce Bryant, R-York, who was the York County sheriff for 20 years, said there can be both a push to get people back to work and help businesses and employees, while protecting the public at the same time. The voluntary stay-at-home measures still allow those who need to stay home to do so, Bryant said.
“I pray our citizens will remain safe by continuing social distancing whenever possible,” Bryant said.
York County Council chairman Michael Johnson said a push to re-energize the economy can coincide with safety measures.
“I am relieved that the governor is easing restrictions and allowing businesses to reopen,” Johnson said. “It is still important that people be smart about going out and continue to follow CDC guidelines and social distancing. While we begin the process of reopening the economy, we must be mindful of the threat COVID-19 continues to be.”
Chester County Supervisor Shane Stuart said that even with the reopening of the economy, the voluntary stay-at-home option is still vital to public health and safety.
“Just because the governor has eased the ‘home or work’ order, doesn’t mean you should throw out all the recommended safety guidelines,” Stuart said. “I would encourage anyone to educate themselves and make the right decision and only when you’re ready to do so. Your personal health and safety mean much more than a trip to the beach or to a department store.”
Stuart, a former deputy sheriff in Chester, said prevention and wearing a mask in public whenever possible remain the advice of experts to slow the disease. Stuart also asked residents to be respectful of others who may not agree on when restrictions need to be lifted because health concerns remain important for many families.
“Being mindful that a continued focus on social distancing and personal health guidelines is paramount,” Stuart said. “We can still take the necessary precautions, all the while, respecting the views and concerns of those neighbors who may not agree with your particular stance. Remember, the wearing of a mask isn’t for your personal benefit, but for love of your neighbor.”
More than 64,000 coronavirus tests had been completed by DHEC’s public lab and private labs as of Sunday, and roughly 10% of tests have come back positive, according to the agency. DHEC projected Tuesday that about 76% of those diagnosed with the virus have recovered.
Hospitals across the state are at about 56% capacity. Sunday, DHEC officials said of the nearly 6,400 currently used beds across the state, 310 beds are occupied by patients with known or suspected cases of the virus.
Based on new projections released Sunday, there are likely many unreported cases in the area. DHEC calculated that there are up to 1,358 unidentified cases in York County. The agency estimated Lancaster County has as many as 620 unidentified cases, and Chester County has up to 209 unidentified cases.
According to its website, DHEC calculates the projected cases based on evidence that for every known case, there could be up to nine unidentified people with the virus.
Confirmed cases by ZIP codes
As of Saturday night, there are cases in the following York County ZIP codes:
- 29704 - 2
- 29708 - 23
- 29710 - 34
- 29715 - 35
- 29717 - 2
- 29730 - 45
- 29732 - 62
- 29745 - 14
There are cases in the following Lancaster County ZIP codes:
- 29058 - 5
- 29067 - 9
- 29707 - 20
- 29720 - 74
There are cases in the following Chester County ZIP codes:
- 29014 - 2
- 29055 - 5
- 29706 - 16
- 29712 - 1
- 29714 - 7
This story was originally published May 3, 2020 at 4:04 PM.
