Coronavirus live updates Aug. 31: Fewer than 20 cases reported in Horry County
Health officials reported 18 coronavirus cases in Horry County Monday and one more person has died of the virus as the Myrtle Beach area prepares for an influx of tourists during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
In total, positive tests have reached 9,287 in the county since the beginning of the pandemic in mid-March and 174 people have died from COVID-19, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. The majority of the county’s cases have been reported since June, but the spread has slowed since municipalities began requiring masks in early July.
The most recent COVID-19 death in Horry County was an elderly person, according to a release from DHEC.
Here are the latest updates in the Myrtle Beach area Aug. 31
Georgetown County has reported 1,681 positive cases and 36 virus-related deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
South Carolina cases grew by 636 Monday, bringing the state’s total to 117,333. Across the state, 2,588 people have died of the virus. Across the state, 4,177 tests were reported to DHEC, 15.6 percent of which were positive, the department’s news release says.
Today’s takeaways:
- The Myrtle Beach area is bracing for Labor Day weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic. Here’s what you need to know about traffic in the area.
- Officials broke up a large pool party near the University of South Carolina in Columbia this weekend. Read more here.
- One person was injured in a shooting in Myrtle Beach on Saturday. Police have one person in custody, records show. Get the details here.
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 31, 2020 at 1:54 PM.