Coronavirus live updates June 9: Myrtle Beach area sees another surge in cases, one death
Now considered a hotspot for the coronavirus, Horry County COVID-19 cases increased by 44 and reported one more death Tuesday afternoon, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Cases across Horry County have reached 720 since mid-March. There have been 33 virus-related deaths in the county.
While a news release from DHEC reports there are 47 new cases in Horry County and an interactive map states 44, the state agency has previously noted the numbers often change after follow-up investigations are conducted on those who tested positive.
“The numbers are expected to fluctuate from time to time as we find new information about positive cases,” DHEC officials told The Sun News. “Our news releases provide the most current information for that time and day about individual cases and deaths, but sometimes that information changes as we learn more information during our follow-up investigations.”
DHEC officials said the online map will always be the best source to recieve the most current and accurate data.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area June 9.
Last week, Horry County had the most amount of newly confirmed cases at 181, DHEC records show. The second highest amount of cases the county has seen was 78 cases between May 18-24.
Georgetown has 100 confirmed cases and three deaths, according to DHEC.
Across South Carolina, cases have surpassed 15,228, with 568 virus related deaths, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways:
- The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum plans to reopen its doors June 16. Its new hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
- It may be voting day, but several combined Horry County precincts are reporting issues with voters being given the wrong ballots.
- Horry County Schools finalized its 20-21 budget with no tax increase or staff raises. The City of North Myrtle Beach however is expected to vote a municipal budget that calls for a 7.9 mill increase.
- Flu season vs. COVID-19: Which one has had the greater impact on the Grand Strand? We have your answers here.
Wash your hands & wear face mask
Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands and wear a face mask while visiting public places. DHEC issued a statement Tuesday urging the use of face masks and the practice of social distancing.
“There is rapidly growing medical evidence that the use of face masks along with social distancing can greatly reduce the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in public spaces,” the statement reads, “and places where people at higher risk of severe illness and death from this virus are likely to be present. We must all commit to wearing face masks in public spaces — if we all wear them, we’ll all be protected.”
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can also help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
This story was originally published June 9, 2020 at 4:20 PM.
