South Carolina public health officials announced on Friday that Doctors Care, a network of emergency care clinics across the state, reported the results of more than 7,000 coronavirus tests.
The results included about 400 positive results for COVID-19 and span a period from July 1 to Wednesday, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Authorities updated the state’s coronavirus databases, DHEC said.
It was the second time this week that the agency has received test results not previously reported.
On Tuesday, DHEC announced that Augusta University Healthcare presented the results of about 15,000 coronavirus tests, about 2,000 of which were positive. The results ranged from March 18 to September 17. The Georgia laboratory did not report these tests until Monday.
Dr. Linda Bell, a state epidemiologist, said on Friday that the vast majority of laboratories are reporting positive and negative COVID-19 tests on time and as needed, and that DHEC is able to take coercive action against institutions that do not comply the reporting rules.
But the plethora of new test results reported this week – about 22,000 in total – is unlikely to have much impact on critical metrics, such as positive daily percentage rates, because the tests have been spread over several months, Bell said.
The sheer volume of tests conducted is also pushing the limits of the country’s ability to report and track data.
Bell said that for most illnesses, only positive test results should be reported.
The exception: COVID-19, she said.
“It is not just that we are demanding negative results,” said Bell. “We are conducting tens of thousands of tests.”
State figures
New cases reported: 647, an increase of 309% over the 158 registered on March 31, the day Governor Henry McMaster ordered the closing of non-essential deals.
Total cases in SC: 140,056, plus 3,846 probable cases
New deaths reported: 20
Total deaths in SC: 3,114, plus 183 probable deaths
Hospitalized patients: 773
Total tests in SC: 1,334,630
Percentage of positive tests, average of seven days: 10.8 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 three counties for new coronavirus cases on Friday were Greenville, 90; Richland, 74; and Spartanburg, 47.
What about the tri-county?
Charleston County had 21 new cases, Berkeley had 10 and Dorchester had 18. Two patients died in Tri County, according to DHEC: one in Charleston and one in Dorchester. Both were 65 or older.
Deaths
Of the 20 new deaths, 15 were elderly patients aged 65 and over, according to DHEC. Four middle-aged patients, aged 35 to 64, and a young adult, aged 18 to 34, also died. They resided in Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Dillon, Dorchester, Florence, Greenville, Lancaster, Marion, Orangeburg, Richland, Saluda and Spartanburg counties.
Hospitalizations
Of 773 coronavirus patients hospitalized through Friday, DHEC said 191 were in intensive care and 101 on ventilators.
What do the experts say?
Public health officials continue to urge Southern Carolinians to take precautions such as wearing masks or other facial covers, social distance 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.
“If you are in the community, close to other people, or are not able to distance yourself socially or wear a mask, we recommend that you get tested at least once a month,” said DHEC.
There are 338 mobile test events scheduled through October 31 and 257 permanent test facilities. Visit scdhec.gov/covid19testing to find a test site in your area.
