Three dozen more coronavirus cases and a death reported in York, Lancaster, Chester.
York, Lancaster and Chester counties combined for another three dozen positive COVID-19 cases and one death, according to state figures released Friday.
The South Carolina Department Health and Environmental Control data shows Lancaster County at 21 new cases. York County has 13 and Chester County four.
Half of the confirmed coronavirus deaths — including one reported in Lancaster County — were elderly, according to state data.
Yet the state numbers also show an increase in coronavirus cases among people under age 30. More than 18% of confirmed cases in South Carolina are people age 21 to 30, while another 7% are teens.
“The increases that we’re seeing serve as a warning that young adults and youth are not immune to COVID-19,” DHEC physician consultant Dr. Brannon Traxler said in a release Friday afternoon. “They also tell us that younger South Carolinians are not taking social distancing seriously.”
The Lancaster County total figure of 21 cases marks the second-largest single day tally since the pandemic began, said Darren Player, Lancaster County Emergency Management Director.
While hundreds of people were tested at free sites last week in Lancaster County at Steele Hill AME Zion Church, county officials do not believe that increased testing alone is responsible for the high number.
Lancaster County’s numbers have trended up for more than two weeks and county officials have postponed a Phase 3 reopening of government offices and services, Player said.
“Statewide the percentage of positive cases after testing is showing that there is likely community spread of this virus, and we should expect in Lancaster County that we are having a similar community spread,” Player said.
The only day since the pandemic began where Lancaster County had more cases than Friday was a 27-case day that corresponded with 27 positive cases found at a Lancaster County nursing facility in May.
Chester county supervisor Shane Stuart reiterates the pandemic is not over and remains a public health crisis. The four Chester County cases are its highest figure in days.
The busy weekend needs to be a time when people remain vigilant about masks and community health, Stuart said.
“This Juneteenth and Fathers Day weekend we would remind our citizens to continue to use social distancing when possible,” Stuart said. “Also don’t forget to wear a face mask when you expect to be in tighter situations. We each have an obligation to be our brother’s keeper and to promote safety in every social setting.”
The latest figures bring total confirmed cases in York County up to 740, with 298 more in Lancaster County and 131 in Chester County.
Hospital beds
As of Friday morning the state report for hospital bed occupancy showed Chester County at 100% occupied. York County is at 85.8% and Lancaster County at 45%, per the data. Yet there are several variables.
Lancaster Medical Center, for instance, reported Friday the 45% figure was correct but that number relates to licensed, or the total number, of hospital beds (225). Staffed beds, or the number of beds typically used on a given day, are at 82% occupancy, with the COVID-19 rate at 3.5%. Remaining beds are part of an increased capacity plan for coronavirus. A dedicated coronavirus unit is at 40% capacity.
The state had reported full capacity in Chester but that number came from the county eliminating in-patient services earlier during coronavirus social distancing.
On Friday afternoon the state updated those figures to show capacities at 85.1% in York County, 40.3% in Lancaster County and 75% in Chester County.
New Lancaster test site
A new COVID-19 test site will be open at Springdell Baptist Church in Lancaster on June 24 and 26. The church at 1420 Springdell Church Road will be open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
MUSC Health will organize testing.
“Not only are we proud to open an additional site,” said MUSC Health Lancaster Division CEO J. Scott Broome, “but we also have plans for more sites in Lancaster and Chester counties within the next several weeks. We feel it’s important to be within the community doing these sites, instead of expecting patients to come to the hospital for testing. Access and convenience is important.”
Appointments and doctor orders aren’t needed. Patients can drive through or walk up to the test site. Patients are asked to wear masks if possible, and must bring proof of identity. For more information, call 803‐286‐1819.
Back to school
AccelerateED announced Friday a press conference will be held June 22 to present final guidance and recommendations for the 2020-21 public school year.
The task force began in April to look at K-12 education and a return to school this fall. An initial report came out May 26. The group has met 25 times to come up with a plan. State education Superintendent Molly Spearman will lead the discussion Monday in Columbia.
Recycling to start back
York County announced Friday it’s on a path back to full recycling. The county cut out recycling of unsorted materials in March due to the close proximity of employees at the sorting site. The change impacted municipal services in Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Rock Hill.
Now the county’s recycling facility will return to full operation once enough people are hired to sort materials. Applicants can visit jobs.marathonstaffing.com.
“Once fully staffed we’ll be able to accept recycling from local governments and haulers that have a signed agreement,” said Steven Williams, county solid waste collection and recycling supervisor.
