Why York, Lancaster, Chester county coronavirus deaths are higher than reports show.
South Carolina health officials announced 39 more COVID-19 cases in York, Lancaster and Chester counties on Tuesday, with more deaths from the coronavirus expected.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced 890 new confirmed cases and 14 deaths statewide. Among them were 27 positive cases in York County, seven in Lancaster County and five in Chester County.
There weren’t any coronavirus deaths listed in the tri-county, but at least two are likely to be reported soon. State data lists 10 deaths from COVID-19 in Lancaster County.
According to a release Tuesday morning from Coroner Karla Deese, Lancaster County now has a dozen coronavirus deaths. At least one death certificate hasn’t reached the state yet, which is why the DHEC figure is lower.
“Lancaster County has hit a spike in COVID-19 positive deaths,” reads the coroner statement. “We now have a total of 12 deaths in Lancaster County.”
State data lists 11 deaths thus far in York County and one in Chester County.
Through Monday, almost 353,000 tests have been taken statewide. There were 5,122 tests on Monday, with a positive rate at 17.4%.
Chester County supervisor Shane Stuart said that the recent surge in cases in Chester County, the region and state show that that the second spike of cases is worse than the initial cases in March and April.
“We are in the second wave which is worse than the first,” Stuart said. “Allowing this pandemic to spiral out of control is unacceptable.”
Stuart said he and other Chester officials are urging residents to wear masks in public whenever possible.
“Masks should also be worn anytime someone is in close quarters with others,” Stuart said.
York County court closed
York County closed most of its criminal court functions Tuesday for the remainder of the week after an employee at the Moss Justice Center tested positive for coronavirus, said David Hamilton, York County Clerk of Court. A worker in the 16th Circuit Public Defender’s Office tested positive for COVID-19, officials said.
It remains unclear when criminal court will re-open.
Demographics
Updated demographic data shows the average age of the more than 26,000 patients who tested positive for coronavirus in South Carolina is almost 43 years. Patients range from less than a month old to 105 years old.
Patients age 21-30 make up 20% of positive cases, the highest for any age group listed by DHEC. Whites account for 45% of cases compared to 35% for Blacks. Another 19% either didn’t list a race, or listed “other.” Hispanics make up 14% of cases.
Women, at almost 53%, make up the most cases. Only 13% of all patients were hospitalized at the time of illness. Patients see a recovery rate of 81%.
The average age among in-state deaths from coronavirus is almost 75, with a range from 20 to 105.
York Tech grads
York Technical College announced Tuesday its first ever virtual commencement would award 1,005 credentials to the 737 students who completed programs this spring. More than 300 students will participate in the June 23 ceremony, initially planned for May before coronavirus hit.
The 7 p.m. virtual commencement is viewable online, including on the school Facebook page. Along with spring graduates, another 300 credentials are likely to be awarded in August when the summer term ends.
“Finishing your education is a triumphant accomplishment, and managing to do so during some very uncertain times shows your resilience and determination,” college president Greg Rutherford said in Tuesday’s announcement. “I applaud all of the graduates, and wish them much success in all of their future endeavors.”
Restaurant safety
Gov. Henry McMaster joined state hospitality and restaurant leaders at 4 p.m. Tuesday to announce a new restaurant safety initiative. Restaurant owners can visit palmettopriority.com soon to learn or review cleaning and other practices to reduce the spread of coronavirus. They can take a test to certify themselves as Palmetto Priority Pledge members.
Restaurants will get a sticker showing they follow state guidelines through the program.
“This is a way to guarantee, to certify to the public, that that particular restaurant is doing all the things that the science today says they should do for best practices to make sure that virus is not spreading in that restaurant,” McMaster said.
McMaster said customers can then help determine what measures restaurants take, once voluntary certifications are in place.
“I would advise people,” McMaster said, “don’t go in if you don’t see that seal.”
McMaster doesn’t foresee mandatory programs. The pledge doesn’t replace typical health inspections.
This story was originally published June 23, 2020 at 3:31 PM.
