Coronavirus live updates July 4: Horry County sets record with more than 350 new 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 358 new cases as of Saturday, bringing the county’s total to 4,321 since mid-March. Horry County had four new deaths reported Saturday, raising the total to 53. Three of the new deaths were of elderly people and one was a middle-aged person.
In Georgetown County, there have been 623 confirmed cases and five deaths, including a new one Saturday, according to DHEC.
Here are live updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area today.
It is now mandatory for people to wear face masks or coverings in certain places in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Horry County. Here’s what you need to know about the new ordinance.
Health officials have announced 1,336 cases of the coronavirus in Horry County so far this week. The county saw its previous record-high amount of cases Friday with 236.
Cases of the virus rose across South Carolina by 1,847 Saturday and the total went up to 43,260. There have been 806 S.C. deaths due to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways:
- The coronavirus has caused a shift in fireworks shows along the Grand Strand, with some being postponed and others being canceled for Fourth of July weekend. If you plan to shoot your own fireworks over the weekend, remember: there are certain areas where you can and other areas where it is illegal. Here’s where you can legally shoot fireworks on the Grand Strand.
- Myrtle Beach locals and visitors should expect to see a heavier police presence along Ocean Boulevard during July 4 weekend.
- Allegheny County, home to Pittsburgh, is investigating new coronavirus cases after people have been on trips to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head.
- The Horry County Fair opened Friday and runs through July 12.
Coastal Carolina University will cut jobs as part of its efforts to reduce expenses that have been necessitated by the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
Additional local jurisdictions, including the City of North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown County, have also approved face mask ordinances this week.
DHEC encourages people to stay home to celebrate Fourth of July festivities to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Health officials ask people to also wear face coverings and wash hands often to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Forecasters are calling for sunshine and a high near 90 degrees in Myrtle Beach this weekend. Here’s your weekend forecast.
This story was originally published July 4, 2020 at 12:05 PM with the headline "Coronavirus live updates July 4: Horry County sets record with more than 350 new cases."
