Coronavirus live updates Sept. 3: 36 new cases in Myrtle Beach area, DHEC reports
State health officials confirmed 36 new coronavirus cases and one additional death Thursday in Horry County.
The latest numbers bring the county’s total number of positive COVID-19 tests to 9,356 along with 178 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
A DHEC news release listed 34 new cases in Horry, but the department’s map, which officials have described as the most accurate depiction of current case numbers, jumped by 36 since Wednesday.
The latest death, which occurred Tuesday, was a person older than 65, according to DHEC.
New cases have been declining for weeks ahead of Labor Day weekend, which health experts warn could bring another spike in spread.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Sept. 3:
Georgetown County has reported 1,700 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 36 people have died of the virus, DHEC reports.
Across the state, 119,822 people have tested positive for the virus and 2,667 people have died since the pandemic began.
A total of 6,560 people in South Carolina received test results Wednesday, and 16.5 percent tested positive, according to DHEC’s latest news release.
Horry County residents have been tested 1,827 times during the past week with a 13.5 percent testing positive, DHEC county-level data shows.
Today’s takeaways:
- Horry County council voted to extend the county’s mask mandate. Find out how long they’ll be required here.
- South Carolina announced a new testing tool to track the virus’ spread in schools. Here’s what you need to know.
- As the spread of the virus slows in Horry County, some nursing homes haven’t escaped outbreaks. Find out which ones reported the highest numbers in August.
- Gov. Henry McMaster rolled out guidelines allowing nursing homes to welcome visitors. Get more information 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 September 3, 2020 at 2:30 PM.
