Coronavirus live updates May 8: CCU makes fall semester plans, latest on unemployment
Sixteen new coronavirus cases have been announced in Horry County this week, with one virus-related death, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Though state officials said there would be an increase in coronavirus testing efforts, they don’t appear to be tracking tests administered by location. Horry County has one of the state’s highest populations, but one of the lowest rates of confirmed cases.
As of Friday, Horry County has seen 242 confirmed coronavirus cases since mid-March, according to DHEC.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said this week there could be another wave of businesses reopening, but there have been no updates from McMaster as of noon Friday.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area May 8.
There have been 18 deaths in Horry County due to the virus, including one this week, DHEC reports. Last week, there were 27 coronavirus cases announced, compared to the previous week at 20, DHEC records show.
Cases in Georgetown County have risen to 50, with three deaths, according to DHEC.
As of noon Friday, South Carolina has 7,142 cases of the virus and 316 deaths.
Today’s takeaways:
- Coastal Carolina University leaders push to reopen in the fall to avoid financial hardships. Here’s the latest.
- Conway Medical Center is now allowing one visitor for overnight patients who have not tested positive for COVID-19 or suspected of having it. Visitors may visit the main hospital from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. beginning Friday and will be screened upon entering.
- Here’s when Grand Strand parks, libraries and other public spots could reopen.
- In case you missed it: Fewer area residents seek unemployment benefits as the Myrtle Beach area economy reopens. However, Hard Rock Cafe at Broadway at the Beach laid off dozens of employees this week.
Wash your hands & please donate
Here’s your daily reminder to wash your hands and practice social distancing. Health officials say you should wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unclean hands, health officials recommend. Practicing social distancing can also help prevent the spread of the virus.
Lastly, at The Sun News, we feel a significant responsibility to report and share the fullest picture as possible so you can make the best decisions and be knowledgeable about what is happening in your community. Our staff has worked, and continues to work, tirelessly for weeks to keep you and your families informed during this trying time.
However, we’re not immune to the troubles that face our economy.
So far, we’ve been able to keep our reporters and visual journalists working every day here on the Grand Strand, risking their health and safety to gather stories, but that’s not the case for our colleagues in other newsrooms across the country who have faced lay offs, furloughs or salary reductions.
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