Horry County COVID-19 update: DHEC confirms new cases in Myrtle Beach area
State health officials have confirmed seven new coronavirus cases in Horry County Thursday.
The total identified COVID-19 cases in the Myrtle Beach area now stands at 278 out of 8,189 cases statewide.
Horry County also 18 coronavirus-related deaths, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. DHEC data shows 371 deaths statewide.
Horry County has one of the lowest rates of confirmed infections in the state based on population size, though local officials have complained not enough testing is available, and DHEC is not tracking testing numbers by county.
Businesses, after numerous weeks of forced closures, are starting to reopen across the state, with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster allowing outdoor and some indoor dining at restaurants, beaches and most stores to reopen. He has announced gyms, salons and barber shops, among other close contact businesses, will be allowed to reopen Monday.
This story was originally published May 14, 2020 at 3:49 PM.
