SC receives almost 43K COVID vaccines; 15 health units provided doses

COLOMBIA, SC (WBTV) – South Carolina received a total of 42,900 Pfizer vaccines on Wednesday, completing the first allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine to the state, said the Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). South.

State health officials say 15 public health units have received doses of the vaccine directly from the federal government since Monday and frontline health workers continue to be vaccinated according to phase 1a vaccination guidelines.

This guidance follows federal recommendations for the distribution of initially limited supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine.

States will receive additional vaccine allocations each week. South Carolina expects its next doses to arrive early next week and expects to receive between 200,000-300,000 total doses by the end of the year.

“Together with our federal, state and local partners, DHEC is committed to ensuring that everyone who wishes to receive the vaccine in South Carolina is eventually vaccinated,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “However, the number of doses is currently limited in South Carolina, as in all states. That is why we ask all South Carolina residents to take a step back, to ensure that the most vulnerable among us and those who keep us alive are vaccinated first. “

Officials released this message on December 4:

“Today, South Carolina reported the highest number of daily cases at any time during the pandemic, with more than 2,500 new cases of COVID-19. Our state’s hospital systems are increasingly burdened with caring for all those who suffer severely from this deadly virus. Nationally, case counts, percentage of positivity, hospitalizations, ventilator patients and deaths are approaching or exceeding previous spring and summer highs. It is clear that our state and nation are at a crucial point in this pandemic. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) and the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) are now required to address the seriousness of our circumstances and the actions we can take to change our course. “

South Carolina announces coronavirus case notification transition

“As part of DHEC’s continuous improvement efforts to improve the quality of the information provided by DHEC, the daily data from COVID-19 will be provided with a 24-hour delay from November 27, 2020. This delay will allow for further analysis robustness of the data before it is publicly reported. DHEC epidemiologists and data analysts will have more time to review the vast amounts of data and information reported to the agency each day and will have additional time for data validation, verification of death reports and improvements in the processing of large data files sent by reporting partners. This will also allow DHEC data and medical experts to have more time to identify and investigate any inconsistencies or abnormalities in the data. This transition in no way affects the agency’s efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of disease. Case investigators will continue to try to contact all positive cases within 24 hours of our notification of your positive result. “

South Carolina publishes vaccination plan COVID-19

Health officials say the overall goal of this vaccination plan is to distribute the vaccine equitably across the state, based on the latest federal guidelines and recommendations.

The plan. It is available online at scdhec.gov/covid19vaccine.

“Safety is the top priority in any vaccine development and no vaccine will be released until it is subjected to rigorous scientific and clinical tests that are required as part of all vaccine development,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist of South Carolina. “Scientists had already started research for coronavirus vaccines during previous outbreaks caused by related coronaviruses, and that previous research provided a starting point for the rapid development of vaccines to protect against infection with the new coronavirus SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. “

During the initial stages of the National Vaccination Program COVID-19, there will be limited supply of the vaccine.

This limited supply will be made available to certain identified groups, including frontline medical workers and nursing home residents.

The supply of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to increase substantially and be more widely available to the public by 2021.

For more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, visit scdhec.gov/covid19vaccine.

If you are away from home in the community, close to other people, or are not able to distance yourself socially or wear a mask, the authorities recommend that you get tested at least once a month.

Routine tests allow public health professionals to diagnose those who are asymptomatic and stop the continuous spread of the virus. Find out more about who should be tested here.

As part of the statewide “Mask Up” campaign to encourage young people and young adults to embrace the use of facial masks, DHEC is offering free mask content that anyone can share on social media to encourage their friends and followers to use coverage facial in public.

Restrictions / closings in South Carolina

Although most companies have been allowed to reopen in South Carolina, there are several that remain closed or have limited capacity.

There is still a significant risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus in a public setting in any community. To reduce the spread, health officials advise everyone to take the following precautions:

Maintain social distance by staying at least 6 feet away from others
Wear a cloth mask that covers your nose and mouth while in public
Avoid touching frequently played items
Wash your hands regularly
Monitor your symptoms and stay home when you are sick

People should stay home and get tested for coronavirus if they experience any of the following symptoms:

fever
shortness of breathe
headaches
sore throat
smell loss
vomiting, nausea and / or diarrhea

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