South-Carolina
DHEC reports COVID numbers are increasing in South Carolina
The most recent numbers present COVID instances have spiked within the final three weeks.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The most recent COVID-19 numbers from the South Carolina Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC) present instances are rising, with numbers growing for the third week in a row.
Within the first week of Might, the company reported 4,458 instances, in comparison with 3,063 the week earlier than and a pair of,210 the week earlier than that. DHEC mentioned the weekly information contains each 7-day, Sunday-Saturday interval.
Whereas there was a rise in case counts in current weeks, state well being officers say they are not on the level the place they’re contemplating it a respectable, sustained surge.
Dr. Anthony Alberg, an epidemiologist with USC, says we’re seeing an upward development of hospitalizations. “Within the final 14 days, over a 100% improve,” mentioned Dr. Alberg.
Whereas deaths aren’t growing, Alberg says in the course of the summer time, if instances numbers proceed to rise, there might be critical repercussions.
“In a state like South Carolina, the place the summers are so scorching, you would possibly truly see elevated congregation indoors with air-con,” Alberg mentioned.
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Information 19 requested if DHEC whether it is planning to re-open take a look at websites if instances improve.
“The plan for future surges is to extend testing utilizing at-home speedy antigen assessments,” mentioned DHEC spokesman Ron Aiken in an announcement. “When virus transmission is widespread like in a surge, there may be extra usefulness in speedy in-home self-testing reasonably than deploying sources for in-person, large-scale testing operations.”
Dr. Alberg recommends these over 50 and people over 12 who’re immunocompromised get a second booster shot. If instances proceed to rise, Alberg says the push for everybody to get their second booster shall be amped up.
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Moreover, he says, if we begin to see case spikes, masks carrying might once more be required.
“If we begin to see proof of elevated transmission, elevated hospitalizations, elevated COVID-19 deaths and get into the upper danger zones, then these suggestions will kick in.”
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