8 new coronavirus cases reported in Beaufort Co. as positive test average remains low
Eight new COVID-19 cases were reported in Beaufort County on Monday.
No additional deaths were announced.
Since mid-August, Beaufort County has seen fewer daily cases. But some experts fear a possible surge of infections as cooler weather sets in, flu season begins and kids return to school for face-to-face instruction.
Cases are rising around some parts of the country, according to Johns Hopkins University data. The Midwest has been particularly hit hard.
Beaufort County, though, has recorded a low percentage of positive COVID-19 tests in recent days, a key indicator of the virus’ spread.
Local numbers
Viral test results reported Sunday: 224
Average percentage of positive viral tests in the past week: 3.9%
Seven-day average of new cases in Beaufort County: 11.4
Total cases: 5,905 confirmed, according to DHEC
Total deaths: 86 confirmed, according to DHEC
Two-week incidence rate: 107.7 cases per 100,000 people, “moderate”
An incidence rate measures how quickly a disease is spreading through a given population.
Dr. Scott Curry, an infectious disease specialist at the Medical University of South Carolina, said counties should aim to have a two-week incidence rate of less than 50 new cases per 100,000 people.
Statewide numbers
Percentage of positive non-antibody tests reported Sunday: 11.3%
New cases announced Monday: 539
Total cases: 157,970 confirmed
New deaths announced Monday: 11
Total deaths: 3,449 confirmed
Cases by ZIP code
Bluffton’s ZIP code of 29910 continues to lead the county with 1,474 cases this year. Beaufort’s 29902 ZIP code, meanwhile, has recorded 1,141 cases since March, the second-highest figure in the county.
Hilton Head’s 29928 ZIP code, covering the southeastern part of the island, has 365 cases. The 29926 ZIP code on the north side has 699 cases, according to DHEC data.
Coronavirus infections at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island are being reported in the 29902 ZIP code.
More information on Beaufort County ZIP code data can be found at the following link. Click on it, then click on “Go to Cases,” then click on Beaufort County on the S.C. map: bit.ly/BeaufortCountyZIP
What are DHEC’s recommendations?
State health officials say residents should continue to practice social distancing and should wear a mask in public.
People who are active in the community or those who can’t effectively social distance or wear a mask should be tested for COVID-19 monthly, according to DHEC.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow South Carolina’s coronavirus data is compiled
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s total COVID-19 case count includes anyone who has tested positive since the pandemic began. The data also include those who have recovered or died.
The state agency does not provide an overall, county-by-county number of cases versus the number of people who have recovered.
DHEC counts deaths based on where a patient lives rather than where they died.
