Coronavirus live updates Aug. 18: Over 30 more cases reported in Horry County, Myrtle Beach
Horry County reported 34 more cases of the coronavirus Tuesday, with two new deaths, health officials announced.
The Myrtle Beach area has seen 8,886 cases of the coronavirus and 163 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.
One death was an elderly individual, while the second was a middle-aged person, according to DHEC.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Aug. 18
Since mid-March, Georgetown County has reported COVID-19 1,550 cases and 27 deaths, DHEC reports.
South Carolina as a whole has seen 106,574 virus cases and 2,230 people have died since the beginning of the pandemic, according to DHEC data.
The number of new cases in Horry County has slowed in recent weeks. In June, in was common to see days with 100 or more cases. State health officials said they saw a drop in new cases in areas with mask requirements.
There is currently a 90% recovery rate, according to DHEC.
Today’s takeaways:
A former employee at Plantation Resort in Surfside Beach says he was treated unfairly and “forced to resign” in July after he brought up concerns about how the establishment was treating the coronavirus spread. Read more here.
Cancellation of Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival due to COVID-19 brings another blow to vendors.
All Horry County movie theaters are slated to open after a roughly 5-month shutdown caused by the coronavirus.
Coronavirus activity in Horry County has dropped to levels that would allow it to reopen with some in-person classes, according to the latest state health department data. Read more here.
There’s an alligator in a local lake in Surfside Beach. Here’s what you need to know.
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 18, 2020 at 2:29 PM.
