Protect yourself and your family. Don't use a portable generator, grill, camp stove, or improperly vented heater indoors. It can cause fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. #Florence
Follow
Click to Follow scdhec
SCDHEC
@scdhec
South Carolina's public health and environmental protection agency, offering services in all 46 counties of the state.
SCDHEC’s posts
"Together we can slow the spread of COVID-19. If you have to be out and about, please remember to maintain at least six feet of social distance and cover your face with a mask." -Stephen Colbert, host of "The Late Show"
scdhec.gov/staySCstrong
"As your state epidemiologist and as someone who has studied disease control and prevention for my entire career, I have never been more concerned about the health of our state than I am today. " - Dr. Linda Bell
DHEC announced that the state has surpassed 10,000 lives lost to COVID-19 in the state. Together, we are mourning these losses, the impact it's had on their loved ones, and working to stop more deaths in the future.
Join us in sharing this image in remembrance of the lives lost.
"I am certain when history is written, people will look back and wonder at how we were nearing normalcy, then had a dramatic resurgence in this disease given all the tools we had available to prevent what is unfolding right now." - Dr. Linda Bell
Watch: fb.watch/7rEm8c1vih/
DHEC received this photo of an elderly couple being evacuated by an #EMS crew from a SC coastal nursing home. We are grateful for the incredible crews still assisting with safe medical evacuations. #HurricaneFlorence
Gov. Henry McMaster and DHEC announced that beginning Wednesday, Jan. 13, any South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, regardless of health status or preexisting conditions, can begin scheduling their appointment to receive COVID-19 vaccine.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
We recognize that at this point people are numb to the data, but these stats aren’t simply numbers. They represent people. People who are our family members, friends and loved ones who are sick, hospitalized and dying from this disease.
Quote
Replying to @scdhec
Earlier today, we reported nearly 6,000 people in our state have COVID-19.
While we cannot confirm a number just yet, early data is showing we will eclipse that mark in tomorrow’s report and we’ll likely see these soaring numbers in the days and weeks following New Year’s Day.
The status of #COVID19 in #SouthCarolina does not indicate that cancellation of events or schools is needed at this time. DHEC is constantly monitoring our epidemiological data and consulting with the CDC to stay on top of the situation.
We’ve said it before and we’ll continue to say it: we can end this pandemic if we increase our vaccination rates.
To do that, we need all South Carolinians to do their part in protecting themselves and their loved ones.
Wearing a mask decreases the risk of spreading COVID-19. Your mask protects others from you, and their mask protects you. We can all do our part. Learn more at scdhec.gov/covid19. #StaySCStrong #stayhealthySC
"COVID is killing our loved ones, and it doesn’t care how old or young you are. A majority of these deaths could be prevented." - Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist
Make sure you're wearing your cloth face covering correctly. Follow these simple steps for proper usage. DHEC has more detailed guidance for masks and cloth face coverings available on our website.
English: scdhec.gov/sites/default/
Spanish: scdhec.gov/sites/default/
DHEC has launched a new heat map to visually represent the spread of the #COVID19 in the state.
Heat map as of April 2, 2020: scdhec.gov/sites/default/
The has not approved the use of either hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) or ivermectin for treating or preventing COVID-19. Both drugs are FDA approved for other diseases and can be taken safely as directed by a doctor. Neither drug is an anti-viral. scdhec.gov/covid19/danger
DHEC recommends following these simple tips to stop the spread of respiratory illnesses, like #COVID19 and #flu: get the flu vaccine, wash your hands, cover your cough, and dispose of tissues contaminated with respiratory droplets.
For more info, visit scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the increasing threat of the Delta variant, the CDC on Tuesday is recommending public indoor masking for everyone, regardless of vaccination status. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
DHEC would like to spotlight the football team for being 100% vaccinated. Thank you for taking this important step to protect your fans, your opponents and your teammates from this deadly virus!
Quote
WATCH - Great insight from @GoTigers_BC HC @coachberry77 on his team's process of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Tigers are 100% vaccinated!
"I started with myself, there was some hesitation but they love this program and they want to be here."
@WLTX @benedict_tigers
DHEC released new data today that indicates local mask ordinances are helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.
DHEC today announced 712 new confirmed cases and 19 new probable cases of COVID-19, 45 additional confirmed deaths and one new probable death.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
South Carolina State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this morning.
Read Dr. Bell's full statement at scdhec.gov/index.php/news
Replying to
We are heading in the wrong direction and we’re heading there quickly. The time is now if we want to move in the right direction.
Find a vaccine provider near you at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator.
Gov. McMaster and DHEC announced today that all South Carolinians aged 16 and older will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning March 31, 2021 and can begin scheduling their appointments as of next Wednesday.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
"I don't want anyone to have to experience the loss that my family and I have." -Dr. Brannon Traxler on losing her grandmother to COVID-19. #FightTheSpread
Learn more at scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Gov. and DHEC announced today that South Carolina will advance to Phase 1b of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan beginning Monday, March 8.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Today, DHEC confirmed SC’s first cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19.
DHEC announced 1,952 new confirmed cases, no new probable cases of COVID-19, 10 additional confirmed deaths, no new probable deaths.
DHEC today announced 799 new cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 and 1 additional death.
This brings the total number of people confirmed to have COVID-19 in South Carolina to 18,795 and those who have died to 600.
Release: scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Today, DHEC confirmed the state’s first pediatric death associated with COVID-19.
DHEC announced 2,239 new confirmed cases, 7 new probable cases of COVID-19, 18 additional confirmed deaths, four new probable deaths.
Thank you, SC State Bulldogs () for taking the measures to protect your fans, your opponents and your teammates this football season.
Today, we reported a total of 6,697 new cases of COVID-19, the third-highest total in single day since the start of the pandemic.
Not since the state reported 7,680 cases on Jan. 6 and 7,450 on Jan. 8 has the state seen so many positive tests on one day. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Replying to
In one week alone, we have confirmed 68 cases of COVID-19 among students and 17 cases among school employees, and that’s with only a handful of schools that have students and faculty on campus. The first day of school hasn’t begun yet for the majority of school districts.
In South Carolina, 21.4% of all confirmed COVID-19 cases are in people ages 21 to 30. It's up to us to fight the spread by wearing a mask, social distancing and getting tested. Learn more at scdhec.gov/covid19.
Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, like #COVID19. Try to take breaks from the news and social media; exercise and eat healthy; take part in relaxing activities; and talk about your feelings with others.
For more tips: emergency.cdc.gov/coping/selfcar
COVID-19 can be transmitted quickly and easily—even by people who aren’t experiencing symptoms. Next time you go out of your home, be courteous to your neighbor: wear a mask.
Visit scdhec.gov/covid19 for more information. #StaySCStrong
DHEC announced 1,599 new confirmed cases and 3 new probable cases of COVID-19, and 15 additional confirmed deaths and 2 additional probable deaths. There are currently 908 hospital beds occupied by COVID-19 patients.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
To help provide supplies for healthcare providers responding to #COVID19, SC requested its full allocation of medical equipment from the Strategic National Stockpile. The pallets contained N-95 masks, face shields, surgical masks, gowns and gloves.
scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Quote
#Soldiers w/59th Troop Command and #Airmen w/169th Logistics Readiness Squadron load personal protective equipment & other supplies to be transported & distributed to the 46 counties in SC in support of @scdhec (
: Sgt. Tim Andrews) #SCGuard #NationalGuard #TeamSC #Covid_19
: Sgt. Tim Andrews) #SCGuard #NationalGuard #TeamSC #Covid_19
Today, DHEC announced 4478 new cases of COVID-19 (3585 confirmed, 893 probable), 20 new deaths (15 confirmed, 5 probable), and a percent positive of 14.6%. See today's updated COVID-19 and vaccine data at scdhec.gov/covid19#covidd.
We need to unite as a state to protect each other. Ring in the New Year with a renewed commitment to your health and the health of others. Please consider staying home for the New Year so COVID can’t impact you and the people you love.
Quote
Replying to @scdhec
Please find a safe alternative to joining large crowds or groups for New Year’s Eve. Meeting for virtual toasts, playing music over a video message, and a neighborhood countdown where everyone stands at their front door or porch, are a few ways to safely ring in the new year.
On Saturday, DHEC and held a COVID-19 vaccine clinic at Dorman High School in Roebuck. A total of 925 people received vaccines at the school (921) and the gas station next door (4). There were no doses wasted.
If you are high-risk for severe disease and test positive for COVID-19, there's an outpatient treatment that can help keep you out of the hospital: monoclonal antibodies.
Additional monoclonal antibody treatment has been authorized for emergency use. scdhec.gov/covid19/monocl
DHEC announced 987 new confirmed cases and 9 new probable cases of COVID-19, and 4 additional confirmed deaths.
This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 21,533, probable cases to 15, confirmed deaths to 621, and zero probable deaths.
Following an analysis that revealed more than 90 percent of COVID-19 cases and deaths in June and 86 percent of hospitalizations were among individuals who were not fully vaccinated, DHEC has determined similar findings for the month of July.
Release: scdhec.gov/index.php/news
Replying to
Get vaccinated, follow credible sources of information to help and encourage your family and friends to get their shots.
Talk to your church members, your coworkers, your classmates, and share factual information about why getting vaccinated is the only way to return to normal.
A total of 3,217 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 are announced today and 47 additional South Carolinians have their lost their lives because of this virus. Our state has now suffered 4,673 deaths and exceeded 245,200 cases.
#FYI: Flu vaccines (often called “flu shots”) are vaccines that protect against the four influenza viruses that research indicates most common during the season.
The flu vaccine is recommended to everyone six months and older. cdc.gov/flu/prevent/fl
Ray Tanner, Athletic Director for , encourages fans to wear a mask and get vaccinated for COVID-19 to help stop the spread.
Find a vaccine provider near you at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator.
Find a testing provider at scdhec.gov/findatest.
Has someone recently told you to "do your own research"? Not everything online is true. If you are having trouble knowing which sources to trust, visit our new webpage and learn to spot COVID-19 vaccine misinformation and evaluate sources for credibility. stayscstrong.com/social-media-t
A large part of anxiety comes from thinking that we can control the things that we can’t, but we are not without help during these stressful times.
We can choose our response. Try these tips from to take care of your mental health in the face of uncertainty:
The Palmetto State has officially reached a 50 percent vaccination rate among eligible residents.
Today’s milestone of 50 percent being completely vaccinated is significant, as it puts South Carolina that much closer to the 70-80 percent vaccination goal. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Since April 4, data shows that there has been a 413.9% increase in newly reported #COVID19 cases among the 21-30 age group.
DHEC announced 1,081 new confirmed cases and 5 new probable cases of COVID-19, and 18 additional confirmed deaths.
Release: scdhec.gov/news-releases/
Replying to
The delta variant of the virus is hyper-transmissible, but the available vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease. With the high rates of disease, there is an increasing risk of the emergence of new variants that the current vaccines may not work against.
The COVID-19 Community Vaccination Center (CVC) at Columbia Place Mall recently saw its highest number of single-day vaccinations since the clinic first opened on April 14. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
“Without a corresponding surge in vaccinations to meet this challenge and universal indoor masking in public places, my fear is that more grim milestones are ahead." DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer
DHEC announced 2,205 new confirmed cases, 2 new probable cases of COVID-19, 23 additional confirmed deaths, no new probable deaths.
This brings total number of confirmed cases to 60,220, probable cases to 169, confirmed deaths to 984, 9 probable deaths.
Replying to
The COVID-19 pandemic is reaching heights that South Carolina has only experienced once before, in January, which is the apex, to date.
Our epi curve shows that we’re currently experiencing the second-highest rate of new daily cases, and the curve is sharply trending upward.
Today, DHEC announced 8882 new cases of COVID-19 (6319 confirmed, 2563 probable), 19 new deaths (14 confirmed, 5 probable), and a percent positive of 25.6%. See today's updated COVID-19 and vaccine data at scdhec.gov/covid19data.
“Since Aug. 21, the 11-20 age group has recorded the highest number of new cases in South Carolina. The second highest group are those ages 0-10.”
Dr. Knoche provided an update to the media today on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. youtu.be/r6uWtA90iGw
"It’s our public health duty to raise alerts for people to do more to help reduce disease spread... And I hope no one will say raising concern about an average of 81 lives lost each week is an overblown reaction." - Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist
Today, DHEC announced 4,219 new confirmed cases and 130 new probable cases of COVID-19, 84 additional confirmed deaths and 6 new probable deaths. Percent positive is 33.2%.
See today's reported data at scdhec.gov/COVID19.
"To say COVID-19 only affects the elderly and those with comorbidities is wrong. Those statements are false, simply not true. If you don’t believe me, I have more than a handful of friends who are living proof and would be willing to tell their personal stories." - Dr. Keith
DHEC today announced 451 new confirmed cases and 8 new probable cases of COVID-19, 20 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths.
Recently, the number of deaths reported to VAERS following COVID-19 vaccination has been misinterpreted and misreported.
VAERS alone cannot determine if the reported adverse event was caused by a COVID-19 vaccination. Anyone can report events to VAERS.
Coaches and Athletic Directors from across South Carolina are encouraging you to wear a mask and get vaccinated to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Find a vaccine provider near you at scdhec.gov/vaxfacts.
Get tested at the locations at scdhec.gov/FindATest.
Replying to
44 of our 46 counties are at high disease activity levels based on two-week incidence rates. And according to CDC, our entire state is currently experiencing a high level of transmission of COVID.
In a matter of three weeks, COVID-19 hospitalizations statewide have tripled.
DHEC has partnered with
on the "I Wear My Mask For" campaign. Join our staff and share a photo showing who you wear a mask for. #MaskUp #StaySCStrong
View more photos: flic.kr/s/aHsmPiSjFC
DHEC has partnered with on the "I Wear My Mask For" campaign. Join our staff and share a photo showing who you wear a mask for. #MaskUp #StaySCStrong
View more photos: flic.kr/s/aHsmPiSjFC
Replying to
🔹Separate what you control from what you don't
🔹Do what helps you feel safe
🔹Go outside in nature
🔹Challenge yourself to stay in the present
🔹Stay connected and reach out if you need support
🔹Talk to friends about your feelings
Read More: afsp.org/taking-care-of
Today, DHEC announced 4245 new cases of COVID-19 (3259 confirmed, 986 probable), 56 new deaths (48 confirmed, 8 probable), and a percent positive of 15.8%. See today's updated COVID-19 and vaccine data at scdhec.gov/covid19#covidd.
On Friday, U.S. Congressman spoke with DHEC Lowcountry Region Public Health Director Taylor Lee during a two-day #COVID19 mass testing event held at Trident Technical College in Charleston.
More than 1,700 people were tested at the event.
Replying to
Dr. Linda Bell: “Every one of us has a role to play in stopping COVID-19. This virus does not spread on its own. It’s spread around our state by infected people who carry it wherever they go. By not following public health precautions, many are putting all at risk."
All South Carolinians aged 16 and older are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and can begin scheduling their appointments.
Call 1-866-365-8110 or visit scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to find a vaccine location.
DHEC continues to advocate for the legislature to consider revising the proviso to allow individual school districts, superintendents, and principals to make decisions about requiring masks in consultation with local and state health professionals.
Today, the FDA issued full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 16 and older. This full approval further indicates how safe and effective the vaccines are at preventing severe illness from COVID-19. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
DHEC today announced 2,335 new confirmed cases and one new probable case of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, 19 additional confirmed deaths and no new probable deaths. scdhec.gov/news-releases/
DHEC sends a sincere #thankyou to all of the #publichealth professionals, hospital and healthcare workers, and those on the frontlines of the #COVID19 response efforts for working tirelessly and continuously, today and every day. We appreciate you!
read image description
ALT
"For anyone who was on the fence or still undecided about getting the vaccines because they had an Emergency Use Authorization and not full approval, there’s no longer anything to wait for." - Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Public Health Director
"As of today, we have lost 10,996 South Carolinians to this deadly disease. It can not be lost on us that these people who have died are missed every day, and they have family and friends who love them and are deeply affected by their deaths."
