Since the pandemic hit South Carolina, more than 10,000 patients with COVID-19 have been hospitalized across the state.
According to data released by the State Department of Health and Environmental Control, 10,212 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, about 6.2 percent of the total confirmed cases in the state of Palmetto.
Charleston County had the lowest hospitalization rate in the state on Friday, with 3.4% of patients needing care. According to DHEC, 14.8% of patients in Marion County had to be hospitalized.
At least 75% of hospital beds in each region of the state are in use, although some hospitals have said they will reduce elective procedures if the pandemic increases.
State figures
New cases reported: 628, which is 297 percent higher than the 158 registered on March 31, the day Governor Henry McMaster ordered the closing of non-essential deals.
Total cases in SC: 161,836, plus 7,505 probable cases
New reported deaths: 14
Total deaths in SC: 3,560 confirmed, 233 likely
Total tests in SC: 1,851,769
Hospitalized patients: 743
Percentage of positive tests, average 7 days: 11.8 percent. Five percent or less of the tests with positive results is a good sign that the spread of the virus is slowing, say the researchers.
Most affected areas
South Carolina’s top counties for new coronavirus cases on Saturday were Pickens, 65; Greenville, 59; and Richland, 48.
How about tri-county?
Charleston County had 43 new cases, while Berkeley had 21 and Dorchester had 13, according to DHEC.
DHEC reported two confirmed deaths of patients from the tri-county area on Saturday, one from Dorchester and one from Charleston. They are also investigating the death of a second Dorchester resident to confirm that the patient had COVID-19.
Deaths
Of the 14 new deaths, 12 were elderly patients aged 65 and over, while two were middle-aged patients aged 35 to 64 years.
They lived in Charleston, Chesterfield, Darlington, Dorchester, Greenville, Greenwood, Lexington, Newberry and Spartanburg counties.
Hospitalizations
On Saturday, DHEC reported that 743 patients were hospitalized with COVID-19, including 200 in intensive care and 97 in ventilators.
What do the experts say?
The authorities continue to urge southern Carolinians to take precautions such as wearing masks or other facial coverings, social detachment and frequent hand washing.
They also recommend that anyone who believes they have been exposed to the virus or who are developing symptoms get tested. Those who live in the community or cannot distance themselves socially should be tested monthly, DHEC advised.
There are 122 mobile test events scheduled through December 23 and 291 permanent test facilities. Visit scdhec.gov/covid19testing to find a test site in your area.
Talk to Sara Coello at 843-937-5705 and follow her on Twitter @smlcoello.