Coronavirus live updates July 29: Horry County reports six more deaths, nearly 100 cases
Cases of the coronavirus increased by 99 in the Myrtle Beach area Wednesday, bringing the total number of positive cases to 7,777 since the beginning of the pandemic, health officials announced.
The county reported six more deaths from the virus, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, bringing the total number of deaths to 118 since the first reported death March 24. Three deaths were in elderly individuals, with the remaining middle-aged people, according to DHEC.
So far this week there have been 15 new coronavirus-related deaths, with the Myrtle Beach area seeing a new single-day record for fatalities on Tuesday with eight deaths. The county’s death toll reached 20 last week, it’s highest number of coronavirus deaths in a single week.
The first area death was reported on March 24.
A news release from DHEC indicates 78 new cases, but the agency’s online map shows 99 new cases. Health officials have said the map provides the most accurate numbers.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area:
In Georgetown County, 1,187 cases and 16 deaths have been reported since the start of the pandemic.
Across South Carolina, cases rose to 85,423 with 1,551 deaths, DHEC reported. In South Carolina, 77% of ICU beds are in use as of Wednesday, and COVID-19 patients take up a third of those, DHEC reports.
There is currently a 90 percent recovery rate, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways:
- Coastal Carolina University football players adjust to altered workouts complete with temperature checks and symptom checklists ahead of the Sept. 5 season kickoff.
- Horry County prepares to host the first jury trial after being suspended for months in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- One person was shot near Mr. Joe White Avenue and Nance Street, and a suspect in the shooting led police on a chase hours later. Myrtle Beach and Horry County officers continue to search for the suspect. Anyone with information should call Myrtle Beach police at 843-918-1382.
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 29, 2020 at 2:22 PM.