DHEC COVID-19 Numbers Update: More Testing is Planned for South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced 1,002 new confirmed cases and 2 new probable cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and 6 additional confirmed deaths. There are currently 731 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 25,666, probable cases to 35, confirmed deaths to 659, and zero probable deaths. Four of the deaths occurred in elderly individuals; two were in middle aged persons. Both Anderson and Oconee Counties added 21 new cases on Monday and Pickens counted 27 new confirmed cases of COVID-19.

In a four-hour period Saturday, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, Prisma Health and DHEC said they administered free tests to 432 people in Walhalla to determine if they are positive for the coronavirus. That event and other likes it were designed to take testing to populations that otherwise may not have access. As positive cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 are on the rise in South Carolina, the state is increasing its goal of testing approximately 110,000 residents per month to 165,000 residents per month by the end of the year. Expansive testing is critical in quickly identifying hot spots, catching outbreaks before they spread, and indicating where resources are most needed in the state. Increased testing also helps provide a better understanding of the overall prevalence of the virus within South Carolina. The original goal of 110,000 residents, roughly two percent of the state’s population, was exceeded for May. Today, that goal is increased to 140,000 for June, July and August and 165,000 for the rest of 2020. Additional testing events are expected to be announced in the weeks to come.