Coronavirus live updates July 21: Horry County cases climb by nearly 200
Cases of the coronavirus climbed by 190 in Horry County and three additional deaths were attributed to the virus on Tuesday afternoon, health officials announced.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases has reached 6,871 in Horry County since the start of the pandemic, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
There have been 89 deaths due to the virus reported in Horry County. DHEC’s press release reported less cases in Horry County than the department’s map, which officials have said is the most accurate.
The trend in the incidence rate is low in Horry County, meaning the number of new positive cases is declining. But the overall activity remains high, with the county reporting a positive rate of 22.8%, according to DHEC data as of Monday.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area July 21.
Last week, Horry County saw a decrease in the number of new cases and virus-related deaths. The county had just over 920 cases reported last week, compared to more than 1,300 between July 6-12. Eleven deaths due to the virus were reported in Horry County last week. There were 17 deaths the previous week, according to DHEC.
There are 1,021 COVID-19 cases in Georgetown County and 12 deaths due to the virus, DHEC reports.
South Carolina’s cases have surpassed 73,101. There have been 1,203 deaths statewide.
Today’s takeaways:
South Carolina National Guard will provide essential staffing support for hospitals along the Grand Strand as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations “continue to surge across the region,” Tidelands Health announced today.
- The Sun News sat down with S.C. Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry, to talk about education in the midst of the pandemic Monday. The chairman of the S.C. Senate Education upset many teachers with his recent comments advocating for schools to offer in-person learning, but he’s standing by his statements, while noting he’s willing to admit it if he’s proven wrong.
- In case you missed it: South Carolina’s private K-12 schools will get $32 million through federal COVID-19 relief, S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster announced Monday. Here’s what you need to know.
Wash your hands & wear a mask
Here 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.
