Coronavirus live updates Aug. 12: Horry County reports more than 20 cases, two deaths
Horry County reported 24 more cases of the coronavirus Wednesday as area deaths from the virus grew by two, health officials announced.
The Myrtle Beach area has seen 8,669 cases of the coronavirus and 156 virus-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-march, with the majority being reported since June, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The two new deaths were in elderly individuals, according to DHEC.
A news release from DHEC indicates 27 new cases in Horry County, while the agency’s map lists 24. Health officials have said the map contains the most accurate data.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Aug. 12
Since mid-March, Georgetown County has reported 1,490 COVID-19 cases and 24 deaths, DHEC reports.
South Carolina as a whole has seen 102,143 virus cases and 2,057 people have died since the beginning of the pandemic, according to DHEC data.
There is currently a 91% recovery rate, according to DHEC.
S.C. Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said the rapid decline in cases can be contributed to local municipalities enacting face mask orders to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“This new data shows us what we already knew, wearing face masks works,” Bell said in a news release. “We’re strongly supportive of these local leaders’ initiatives that are centered on protecting the health and well-being of their communities.”
According to DHEC, nearly 40 percent of state residents, or approximately two million, reside in jurisdictions that have local mask requirements in place, as of this week. When comparing the jurisdictions that have mask requirements in place to those that don’t, those with orders have seen a 46.3 percent decrease in the total number of cases, DHEC reports.
Effective Thursday, Conway Medical Center will allow one visitor for each non-COVID overnight hospitalized patient, according to a recent update from the medical facility. In addition, each outpatient surgical and endoscopy patient will be allowed one visitor as well.
“While we are easing our visitor restrictions in light of fewer COVID-19 cases in our area and are cautiously optimistic that the fewer cases will be an ongoing trend, we do want to remind everyone this is not the time to ease off on taking precautions. Please, wear a mask, socially distance and wash your hands,” said CMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Paul Richardson in a press release. “CMC recognizes the impact visitor restrictions have on our patients and families, and we hope the case numbers continue to drop so we can continue to allow visitors in the hospital.”
CMC will continue to screen all patients and visitors prior to enter the hospital. The process includes questions about symptoms and possible exposure to someone with COVID-19, as well as taking temperature for fever.
The main lobby entrance to the hospital is closed. Visitors must enter the facility through the Patient Services entrance at the rear of the hospital building.
Visiting hours are from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Today’s takeaways:
Tenants at ‘mercy’ of South Carolina mega landlord end up paying more than rent. And it’s legal. Read more here.
Surfside Beach kerfuffle could delay pier construction as rebidding begins again.
A Myrtle Beach theater located at The Market Common plans to reopen on Aug. 28 after a five-month shutdown due to COVID-19. Read more here.
This Myrtle Beach golf industry organization has disbanded after three decades.
After nearly three years on the lam, Horry County police arrested a man in connection to a 2017 murder. Read more here.
A Horry County farm has a reputation for shooting guns toward a housing subdivision, South Carolina lawyers say as they seek a court order to close the property for at least a year.
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 August 12, 2020 at 4:30 PM.
