Coronavirus live updates Sept. 7: Fewer than 20 new cases in Myrtle Beach area
State health officials confirmed 17 new coronavirus cases and one additional death Monday in Horry County.
The latest numbers bring the county’s total number of positive COVID-19 tests to 9,479 along with 180 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
A DHEC news release listed 19 new cases in Horry, but the department’s map, which officials have described as the most accurate depiction of current case numbers, jumped by 17 since Sunday.
The latest death, which occurred Thursday, was a person older than 65, according to DHEC.
Here are the latest updates on the coronavirus in the Myrtle Beach area Sept. 7:
Georgetown County has reported 1,729 cases since the beginning of the pandemic, and 37 people have died of the virus, DHEC reports.
Across the state, 123,552 people have tested positive for the virus and 2,767 people have died since the pandemic began.
A total of 5,256 people in South Carolina received test results Sunday, and 11.2 percent tested positive, according to DHEC’s latest news release.
Horry County residents have been tested 2,030 times during the past week with a 10.9 percent testing positive, DHEC county-level data shows.
Today’s takeaways:
- Horry County Schools begin classes tomorrow with a hybrid schedule, though some faculty have already tested positive for COVID-19.
- Horry County Council extended its mask ordinance last week, but the issue may be taken up again in the near future after the chairman stated he’d place it back on the agenda for further debate.
- 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 7, 2020 at 12:09 PM.
