Coronavirus live updates July 9: Cases swell across Myrtle Beach and Horry County
State health officials announced 189 new coronavirus cases and three more virus-related deaths Thursday in Horry County.
The latest announcement brings the total number of COVID-19 cases to 5,203 and 65 deaths in Horry County since mid-March, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The latest Myrtle Beach area deaths included two elderly people — meaning older than 65 — and one middle-aged person, according to DHEC’s news release.
The release lists 194 new cases in Horry County, but the department’s map, which DHEC officials have said is a more accurate depiction of up-to-date case loads, showed an increase of 189 since Wednesday.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area July 9.
Horry County saw a record-high number of coronavirus cases and deaths due to the virus last week, contributing to the rising trends of the pandemic, according to data from state health officials. Between June 29 and July 5, DHEC reported 10 coronavirus-related deaths and more than 1,500 coronavirus cases in Horry County.
Cases of the virus in Georgetown County have reached 724, with seven virus-related deaths reported, according to DHEC.
The total South Carolina COVID-19 cases now stand at 50,548, and there have been 898 deaths due to the virus since the start of the pandemic.
DHEC reports that 8,350 people were tested Wednesday statewide, and 20.6 percent were positive. The agency does not track testing by county.
Hospitalizations continue to increase with 1,433 hospital beds currently occupied by patients with COVID-19 or awaiting test results, according to DHEC’s release. The rapid increase in hospitalizations has led one local healthcare provider, Tidelands Health, to consider seeking National Guard assistance due to staffing concerns.
Today’s takeaways:
The Horry County zip code, 29588 - the area of Socastee between Burgess and Forestbrook - has had the largest total increases each of the past two weeks, including more than 300 news cases June 30-July 6, according to DHEC data.
Are you confused about wearing a mask? Here’s a guide to mandatory face-mask laws along the Grand Strand.
South Carolina’s Grand Strand has been labeled a “coronavirus hot spot” as cases swell, and tourism is being impacted. Here’s the latest.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
Here is your daily reminder to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands often.
DHEC encourages people to wear a mask when visiting public places and practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. It is now mandatory to wear face masks in certain public areas in Horry County, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown County.
Health officials say washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
This story was originally published July 9, 2020 at 2:04 PM.
