Coronavirus live updates June 20: Myrtle Beach area sees more than 100 new COVID-19 cases
Coronavirus cases continued to skyrocket in the Myrtle Beach area Saturday, according to the latest figures from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Horry County had 121 new cases as of Saturday, bringing the county’s total to 1,818 since mid-March. Horry County’s total deaths remained at 39.
In Georgetown County, there have been 240 confirmed cases and three deaths, according to DHEC.
Here are live updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area today.
New cases announced daily by DHEC have been in the triple digits this week in Horry County. So far, the county has seen 687 coronavirus cases this week.
The jump in cases in the Myrtle Beach and Horry County areas coincides with one of the biggest tourist weekends of the year, and forecasters say there is no sign of a slowing down of cases along the Grand Strand.
Cases across South Carolina rose by 1,148 on Saturday, bringing totals to 23,756 with 600 COVID-19 deaths.
South Carolina has preformed more than 321,000 coronavirus tests, with 31,806 returning positive results, according to DHEC data. The state has a recovery rate of 79 percent.
Today’s takeaways:
- A Myrtle Beach area strip club was deemed “essential” and the business plans to reopen soon.
- If you’re headed to the beach, here’s how the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says to avoid the coronavirus.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
This is your daily reminder to wash your hands, wear a face mask and practice social distancing.
Health experts encourage people to wash their hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose with unwashed hands, health officials say.
DHEC asks people to wear a face mask when in public to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus and also asks people to practice social distancing.
This story was originally published June 20, 2020 at 12:12 PM.
