Coronavirus live updates June 23: Myrtle Beach area records another big boom in cases
The Myrtle Beach area saw another day with a triple-digit increase for the area’s daily case report.
On Tuesday, 135 new cases were reported in Horry County, bringing the county’s total to 2,189, according to the latest figures from DHEC. There have been 42 deaths in Horry County from COVID-19. One new death was an elderly individual, while the other was middle-aged, according to DHEC. The age range of Tuesday’s third new death wasn’t listed.
One Grand Strand hospital is reporting a sharp increase in hospitalizations as coronavirus cases continue to spike in the area.
Tidelands Health housed just three patients who tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, but that number has jumped to 20 as of Tuesday morning with another 14 awaiting test results, according to a Tidelands news release.
“In recent days, our region has seen a sharp increase in both the number of people testing positive for COVID-19, as well as in the overall percentage of positive tests,” Dr. Gerald Harmon, Tidelands vice president of medical affairs, said in the release. “Now, we’re seeing hospitalizations increase, as well.”
Harmon emphasized the importance of following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, including wearing a face mask in public, maintaining proper hygiene and social distancing.
Conway Medical Center, as of Tuesday, has 14 confirmed coronavirus patients and another 12 awaiting test results, according to numbers provided by spokeswoman Allyson Floyd. CMC had just four confirmed COVID-19 patients on Thursday, with 25 awaiting results at the time.
Horry County was labeled a hot spot for the virus by South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control about two weeks ago. As of Tuesday, Horry County now has more than 2,000 total coronavirus cases since the pandemic started in mid-March.
Here are live updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area today.
In Georgetown County, there have been 286 cases and three deaths.
Across South Carolina the total number of cases rose to 26,572 with 673 COVID-19 deaths.
A news DHEC news release lists 133 new cases and additional two deaths, but its online map shows 135 new cases and three deaths in Horry County. Officials say the online map provides the most up to date numbers. The data might change as people are determined to live in a different country from where they are initially counted.
As of Tuesday, DHEC has conducted more than 352,750 tests. The state’s recovery rate is 79 percent.
Today’s takeaways:
- Myrtle Beach could start discussing an ordinance that would require people to wear face masks. Here’s what we know.
- A Murrells Inlet MarshWalk restaurant has closed due to an employee testing positive for COVID-19. Here’s a list of openings and closure due to the virus.
- If you donate blood right now, the Red Cross will also test it for coronavirus antibodies.
- Are you voting in Tuesday’s run off election in Horry County? Here are some things you should know.
- Myrtle Beach City Council approved a $193.7 million budget for 2021 that is about 3.8 percent less than the previous year.
- A disc golf course is coming to Myrtle Beach. Read more here.
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 23, 2020 at 2:11 PM.
