South Carolina health officials have confirmed that one resident in the state has died due to COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced that an elderly person recently reported to have been diagnosed recently is the first person in the state to die from the virus, according to a report by Augusta, Georgia, news station WRDW. The resident was a patient at Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility.
DHEC is working with the facility to identify all contacts and providing guidance on ways to limit the spread of the virus that the nursing home.
“We know that many South Carolinians are concerned about what impact this virus may have on themselves, their loved ones, and our state,” Dr. Brannon Traxler, a DHEC physician, said. “This is a rapidly evolving public health event, and DHEC takes every new infectious disease seriously. This is an example of the importance of taking precautions to protect those at higher risk, like the elderly and people with serious underlying health conditions.”
The man was from Lexington County, according to the release. State epidemiologist Linda Bell said patients at the nursing home are being isolated if they've contact with the Lexington man, according to The State.
“We are saddened by the news of the first death in South Carolina due to COVID-19. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and the community,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said on Twitter. “South Carolinians must continue to support each other through prayer, through common sense, by taking precautions and by demonstrating courtesy and compassion.”
Nearly 70 people have died from the novel virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, in America. Hundreds of new cases are being confirmed in states every day.
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