Coronavirus live updates July 18: Myrtle Beach area sees less than 100 new daily cases
Coronavirus cases continued to rise in the Myrtle Beach area Saturday, according to the latest figures from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Horry County had 62 new cases as of Saturday, bringing the county’s total to 6,563 since mid-March. Horry County’s death total rose by three with the total now at 83. One death was any elderly individual and the other two were middle-aged people.
In Georgetown County, there have been 943 confirmed cases and 11 deaths.
Zip codes throughout eastern Horry County have had hundreds of reported COVID-19 cases, with health officials saying there are thousands of estimated cases and total possible cases in Myrtle Beach area zip codes.
DHEC noted that some of Saturday’s statistics are incomplete.
“At the time this release was distributed, the DHEC data report contained incomplete laboratory information. There is a data synchronization error between DHEC and a major private laboratory that we are working to rectify. Once resolved, additional information for today will be included and highlighted in tomorrow’s release.”
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area July 18.
While daily case totals remain high in the Myrtle Beach area, the weekly total reported in the county actually declined by about 200 cases last week for the first time since mid-May, according to DHEC data. The 1,311 cases confirmed last week are still the second-highest weekly total in Horry.
Cases of the virus across the state have surpassed 67,000, DHEC reports. The state had 1,539 new cases and 39 new deaths as of Saturday, raising the totals to 67,396 and 1,117, respectively.
DHEC reports an 92 percent recovery rate throughout the state as of Friday.
Today’s takeaways:
- Tired of wearing a regular medical mask? Well, people in Myrtle Beach are getting creative with their COVID-19 protection accessory.
- Myrtle Beach Rep. Alan Clemmons is resigning from his SC House seat more than a month after he was re-elected to serve. Here’s what we know.
What was once a coal power plant in Conway is in the final stages of being reclaimed by nature and becoming a benefit for the area.
Lives could be in danger in Georgetown County, where firehouses face chronic manpower shortages.
Need a place to take out some of your anger? Rage-smash room Aggression Session is opening in North Myrtle Beach.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
This is your daily reminder to wash your hands often, wear a mask and practice social distancing.
DHEC asks 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 unincorporated Horry County, the City of Myrtle Beach, the City of 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 the coronavirus.
This story was originally published July 18, 2020 at 2:20 PM.
