Students ordered leave SC State campus as cases of coronavirus continue to spread
Students at South Carolina State University have been ordered to leave the Orangeburg campus as a result of the increasing number of cases of the coronavirus.
A mandatory evacuation of residence halls is necessary, university officials said Sunday night in a news release.
S.C. State set a deadline of 6 p.m. Friday for all students to be moved out of university residence halls, according to the release.
There are three confirmed cases of patients testing positive for COVID-19 in Orangeburg County, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
“(This) has created a heightened threat level to our campus community which now requires a more aggressive response in order to keep the university safe,” S.C. State officials said.
University officials said protocols have been set up for students to retrieve their belongings, but they must set up an appointment with their residence life coordinators prior to returning.
“Please practice social distancing by limiting the number of friends or family assisting you during the move-out,” it said in the release.
On March 15, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster ordered all 1,250 public schools closed through the end of the month. This covers all K-12 public schools, state colleges and technical colleges.
While students are no longer allowed on campus, online classes are resuming Monday at S.C. State. Remote instruction will continue in virtual classrooms for the rest of the semester, university officials said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
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. 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.
After 22 new positive tests for the coronavirus were confirmed Sunday, South Carolina now has a total of 195 COVID-19 patients, according to the DHEC. Thirty-two of South Carolina’s 46 counties have reported a case.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
To reduce the spread of coronavirus, events of more than 50 people in a state, county, city, or other publicly-owned facility are prohibited, except for essential government functions, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Monday morning, 343,421 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 14,790 people have died, while 98,896 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 35,224 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 471 deaths have been reported, including 99 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
Three patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina have died. State health officials described them as elderly with underlying medical conditions.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 7:44 AM with the headline "Students ordered leave SC State campus as cases of coronavirus continue to spread."
