South Carolina continued to see a large number of new coronavirus cases on Monday.
About 25% of South Carolina’s recent tests for the virus have returned a positive result, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
The state is fast approaching a milestone of 5 million tests performed for COVID-19 across the state.
State figures
New cases reported: 2,736, which is 1,632 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: 379,775, plus 41,642 probable cases
New deaths reported: 5
Total deaths in SC: 5,920 confirmed, 632 likely
Total tests in SC: 4,699,198
Hospitalized patients: 2,201
Percentage of positive tests, average of seven days: 25.3 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
According to DHEC data, the main counties for new coronavirus cases reported on Monday were Greenville, 406; Richland, 179; and Spartanburg, 179.
What about the tri-county?
Charleston County reported 150 new cases, while Berkeley had 51 and Dorchester registered 54.
Deaths
All victims killed on Monday were 65 or older.
They lived in Beaufort, Calhoun, Georgetown, Orangeburg and York counties.
Hospitalizations
Of the 2,201 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday, 429 were in intensive care and 262 were on ventilators.
What do the experts say?
The authorities continue to urge Southern Carolinians to take precautions, such as wearing masks or other facial covers, 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.
Medical University of South Carolina is offering quick tests on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm, in the Charleston International Airport parking lot.
Talk to Fleming Smith at 843-937-5591. Follow her on Twitter at @MFlemingSmith.