First coronavirus case confirmed in Jasper County; Beaufort County numbers still rising
The first positive case of coronavirus was confirmed in Jasper County this weekend, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Six additional cases were announced over the weekend in Beaufort County, bringing the total to 14. There are now 195 cases of the virus statewide.
Although the case in Jasper County was not announced by DHEC on Sunday, it is listed on the agency’s map of confirmed cases.
On Friday, S.C. saw its second and third deaths from the virus. Both of those who died were elderly and had underlying health conditions, officials said. One was from Florence County; the other was from Charleston County and was a resident of Harmony Assisted Living Facility in Charleston.
After the first positive case was announced, Jasper County Emergency Services said it will still respond to all calls for service, but the agency has implemented a screening questionnaire.
“This is intended to assist responders identifying an increased potential encounter of persons that may have COVID-19. These questions assist responders in determining the use of additional protective equipment. This equipment is designed to increase protection of the responders; and reduce potential spread to the public,” a news release said.
The screening questionnaire is similar to the one being used by Beaufort County Emergency Services.
Here is when each of the Beaufort County cases were announced by DHEC:
▪ Three cases were reported Saturday, March 14
▪ One case was reported Tuesday
▪ Two cases reported Wednesday
▪ One case reported Thursday
▪ One case reported Friday
▪ Four cases reported Saturday
▪ Two cases reported Sunday
DHEC and area hospitals, including Beaufort Memorial, Hilton Head and Coastal Carolina, have refused to answer questions about age and location of people who’ve tested positive or how they were exposed to the virus.
One of the coronavirus patients lives in Sun City Hilton Head, an email from the community’s board of directors said Wednesday.
This story was originally published March 23, 2020 at 11:45 AM.
