Coronavirus live updates Aug. 19: More than 30 new cases in Horry County, Myrtle Beach

Coronavirus cases in Horry County grew by 33 and no new deaths of the virus were reported, health officials announced Wednesday.

Since mid-March, the county has reported 8,919 positive tests and 163 deaths related to COVID-19, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The majority of the cases and deaths have taken place since June.

A news release from DHEC indicates 32 new cases in Horry County, but the online map shows 33 new cases. Officials have said the map provides the most accurate numbers.

Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Aug. 19:

Georgetown County has tallied 1,559 cases and 30 virus-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to DHEC.

In South Carolina, 107,274 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and the state has reported 2,248 virus-related deaths, DHEC data indicates. As of Tuesday, more than 946,800 coronavirus tests have been administered in South Carolina, according to DHEC.

While the case count in Horry County is still increasing, the number of new daily cases has slowed since mask mandates have taken effect in different municipalities and the county as a whole.

Today’s takeaways:

• Students, staff and faculty at the University of South Carolina will have access to quick coronavirus testing with results returning in 24 hours. Here’s what you need to know.
• In a special election Tuesday, attorney Case Brittain secured the Republican spot on the district 107 ballot following the sudden resignation of Rep. Alan Clemmons. Read more here.
• Horry County moved another step toward allowing license plate readers in county limits. Here are the details.
• Three people were charged in connection with a fatal 2018 shooting of a father and son near Conway. Read more here.
• Surfside Beach hired a former official to lead as interim town administrator. Read more here.

• Lawyers for Myrtle Beach and Horry County laid out their thoughts on the ongoing hospitality fee lawsuit to the state’s highest court Wednesday. Here’s the latest.

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 19, 2020 at 1:33 PM.