Coronavirus live updates July 2: Horry County cases climbing ahead of July 4th weekend
State health officials confirmed 180 new cases of coronavirus and two additional deaths in Horry County Thursday.
Horry County has had 3,727 confirmed coronavirus cases since mid-March and 49 deaths due to the virus, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control data shows.
A DHEC news release states that 179 new cases were reported in Horry County, but the department’s statewide map shows 180 additional cases from yesterday’s update.
“Our online map will always be the best source for the most current and accurate numbers,” a DHEC spokesperson has previously told The Sun News.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area July 2.
The City of Myrtle Beach passed a face mask ordinance Thursday afternoon, requiring face masks to be worn in public places. Here’s what you need to know.
The hospital occupancy rate is increasing along the Grand Strand with more than 87 percent of beds currently in use, according to DHEC data.
Hospital officials are urging residents to heed social distancing and mask guidelines during July 4th weekend, which leads to increased hospital visitors regardless of coronavirus, but all say they’re prepared to handle an influx.
Conway Medical Center, which has 21 patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and another 20 under investigation awaiting results, is at 73 percent occupancy, according to spokeswoman Allyson Floyd.
Grand Strand Medical Center, which has 51 coronavirus patients, is operating at 91 percent capacity, according to spokeswoman Katie Maclay.
Tidelands Health, which has 35 patients who tested positive and seven waiting on results, is at 84 percent occupancy with its critical care units, according to spokeswoman Dawn Bryant.
A total of 1,125 hospital beds in South Carolina are currently occupied by COVID-19 patients, according to DHEC.
Coronavirus cases reported by zip code shows that the virus is spreading most rapidly in the Socastee area, as the 29588 zip code saw 196 new cases last week, accounting for about 537 new cases per 100,000 residents, both highs among Horry County zip codes.
The Murrells Inlet and North Myrtle Beach coastal areas also saw more than 500 new cases per 100,000 residents, according to a Sun News analysis of DHEC data.
Cases in Georgetown County have reached 506, with three virus-related deaths, DHEC reports. Georgetown County also passed a mask ordinance Thursday.
Across South Carolina, cases have surpassed 39,587, according to DHEC. There have been 777 deaths due to COVID-19 in the state.
A total of 9,634 people were tested in South Carolina Wednesday, and 16.9 percent tested positive, according to a DHEC news release. DHEC does not track testing by county of residence.
More than 65 percent of the state’s deaths have been among residents older than 70, according to DHEC demographic data. Demographic data isn’t available specifically for deaths in Horry County, though DHEC does track COVID-19 deaths reported in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and 12 such deaths have been reported in the county, all at Loris Rehab and Nursing Center.
Excluding those who have died, DHEC estimates that about 84 percent of residents who tested positive have recovered.
Today’s takeaways:
- The City of North Myrtle Beach’s face mask ordinance went into effect at noon Thursday.
- As coronavirus cases surge in the Myrtle Beach area, nursing homes face unique dilemmas.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
Here is your daily reminder to wash your hands, wear a face mask when visiting public places and practice social distancing.
DHEC encourages people to celebrate Fourth of July weekend at home to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Health officials also ask people to wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of the virus.
This story was originally published July 2, 2020 at 2:04 PM.
