Coronavirus live updates June 18: Myrtle Beach area sees nearly 150 new cases reported
Coronavirus cases in Horry County grew by 143 Thursday afternoon, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Newly announced cases brings Horry County’s total cases to 1,560 since mid-March.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area June 18.
There have been 35 deaths due to the virus since March in Horry County, DHEC reports.
Younger people who have been screened at Tidelands Heath and DHEC clinics in the Myrtle Beach area are testing positive for COVID-19 at a higher rate than older individuals, according to Tidelands Health.
Together, Tidelands and DHEC have partnered and conducted nearly 5,000 free COVID-19 tests across the area. Sixteen percent of over 500 people ages 16-25 who were tested at the clinics tested positive, Tidelands reports. Six percent of adults ages 41-64 tested positive, and 2 percent of people ages 65 and older were infected with COVID-19.
So far this week, 391 new cases have been announced in Horry County.
A Thursday news release from DHEC lists 128 new cases, but officials have said the online map shows the most up-to-date numbers. The map shows a 143 increase in cases from 1,417 on Wednesday to 1,560 as of Thursday afternoon.
Cases in Georgetown County have climbed to 233, with 3 virus-related deaths, according to DHEC.
South Carolina cases have reached 21,533 as of Thursday and there have been 621 deaths reported.
Today’s takeaways:
- A Myrtle Beach fashion blogger and mortgage lender opened up about here experience with COVID-19, the symptoms she had and administering her own test. Here’s her story.
- In case you missed it: More than 50 Horry County employees are out of the office due to possible coronavirus exposure.
- Experts say a coronavirus baby boom is unlikely as births are expects to plunge across the country.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
This is your daily reminder to wash your hands often, practice social distancing and wear a face mask.
Health experts say washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water can help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. People should avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
DHEC officials encourage people to wear a face mask while visiting public places and practice social distancing.
