| Greenville News
South Carolina surpassed 1,000 COVID-19 deaths on Thursday.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported on Thursday 69 deaths that the agency said had occurred in recent weeks. This brings the total number of confirmed South Carolina COVID-19 deaths to 1,053.
South Carolina, which is the 23rd most populous state in the country, is the 25th state to exceed the limit of 1,000 deaths. Nationally, COVID-19 was responsible for at least 137,000 deaths.
State epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said during a press conference that the state’s COVID-19 mortality statistics should not “cover up what is really going on.”
“These are people in our community who are very dear to family and friends who continue to die every day because of COVID-19,” she said. “This virus is real, it is everywhere and it continues to cause death and disease throughout the state. “
Map of coronavirus SC: An analysis of COVID-19 cases by county and postal code
DHEC has reported more than half of South Carolina’s COVID-19 deaths since June 1. The days with the most deaths were July 3 with 25 and July 13 with 24, according to new data that the agency released on Thursday.
Here are more details about the deaths of COVID-19 in South Carolina:
► There were 122 confirmed deaths of COVID-19 in Greenville County, the largest of all counties in the state. DHEC reported 16 of those deaths on Thursday. Confirmed deaths in neighboring counties include 58 in Spartanburg, 21 in Anderson and 10 in Pickens.
► COVID-19 killed at least 422 residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities in South Carolina, according to DHEC.
► Although black residents represent only 27% of the state’s population, they account for 45% of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina, according to DHEC.
The South Carolina Institute of Medicine and Public Health and DHEC released data on Thursday examining the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on black communities by state region. According to the data, blacks in Pee Dee and in the interior of the state have 2.4 times the death rate from COVID-19 compared to whites in those regions.
► People over 61 are responsible for almost 87% of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina. Among those who died, the average age is 74 years.
► The latest projections from the University of Washington Institute of Health Metrics and Assessment indicate that the death toll from COVID-19 in South Carolina could reach 4,556 on November 1.
DHEC explains delays in reporting COVID-19 deaths
One of the COVID-19 deaths that DHEC reported on Thursday happened on June 26. Last week, a daily update from the agency reported deaths dated June 24.
In Thursday’s update, DHEC said delays may occur to ensure that a COVID-19 death is reported accurately based on the most updated federal guidelines. DHEC also implemented a cross-analysis methodology that includes comparing the initial information reported to the agency with the information included on an individual’s death certificate.
In addition, death reports can be delayed if an individual who has died has had multiple medical problems or takes longer than usual to collect personal family demographic information, according to Thursday’s DHEC update.
The agency also published an online chart on Thursday listing confirmed and probable deaths for each day since the ongoing coronavirus pandemic hit South Carolina in March.
Kirk Brown covers government and politics. Follow him on Twitter @KirkBrown_AIM