Coronavirus live updates Aug. 13: Five more deaths reported in Horry County, Myrtle Beach
Horry County reported 37 more cases of the coronavirus Thursday as area deaths from the virus grew by five, health officials announced.
The Myrtle Beach area has seen 8,706 cases of the coronavirus and 161 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.
Three new deaths were in elderly individuals, according to DHEC, while the remaining two were middle-aged people.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Aug. 13
Since mid-March, Georgetown County has reported 1,496 COVID-19 cases and 25 deaths, DHEC reports.
South Carolina as a whole has seen 103,051 virus cases and 2,089 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.
Today’s takeaways:
The hundreds of incoming students and their parents who traveled to the Coastal Carolina University campus on Wednesday concede that 2020 has been anything but typical. Read more about their adjustments.
Miss going to the movies? A drive-in is set open on the outskirts of Horry County.
Tenants at ‘mercy’ of South Carolina mega landlord end up paying more than rent. And it’s legal. Read more here.
Rescue crews saved a person buried up to (the) shoulders in the Pawleys Island area.
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.
