Two more people who contracted coronavirus have died in SC, health officials say

Mar. 23--COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Two more people in South Carolina have died after contracting coronavirus, bringing the total number of South Carolinians who have died after contracting COVID-19 up to five, state health officials announced on Monday.

The two patients were elderly and from Clarendon and Kershaw counties, according to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. Kershaw County has been ground zero for the virus, reporting the highest number of confirmed cases in the state. Last week, health officials announced three other patients from Charleston, Florence and Lexington counties who tested positive for the coronavirus died.

As of Sunday, 195 South Carolinians in 33 counties have tested positive for the coronavirus.

"We must continue to do all we can to protect ourselves and those around us, especially those at higher-risk for developing severe illness from the virus," State Epidemiologist Linda Bell said, according to a statement. "Based on our data as well as the data shared by other states and other countries, we, in South Carolina, should expect to see the number of positive cases continue to increase. This disease is here, it's in our communities, and we all have a part to play in helping to stop the spread of it."

Government officials have made moves to combat the coronavirus.

Last week, both the South Carolina Legislature and the U.S. Congress passed legislation to boost responses to the virus, with state lawmakers doling out $45 million to DHEC. That money will help cover the costs of employees, transportation of lab samples and equipment. Earlier this month, Congress approved an emergency spending package that sent $8.9 million to South Carolina.

President Donald Trump also signed a coronavirus aid package aimed at helping workers impacted by the virus. Lawmakers in Washington are working on a third relief bill that could cost trillions of dollars and would send checks to certain Americans.

Gov. Henry McMaster also has issued a number of executive orders aimed at battling the spread of the virus.

He ordered restaurants to close their dining rooms, but allowed them to do curbside pickup for beer and wine and ordered police to disperse large crowds at the state's beaches.

Saturday, McMaster said he was not considering a shelter in place order for South Carolinians as some other states have implemented.

BEHIND OUR REPORTING

What you should know about the coronavirus

The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. After originating in China late last year, the disease has now led to several cases in the U.S., including several deaths.

Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.

Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.

Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. The CDC believes the virus is now spreading through communities in some affected geographic areas. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That's why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.

For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.

If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.

COVID-19 is a new condition and there's much about the disease we still don't understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

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