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The latest South Carolina Public Radio News reports on the spread of the coronavirus and efforts to fight it.

DHEC Announces First COVID-19 Related Death

South Carolina's first COVID-19 related death was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility
Lexington Medical Center

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has reported the state’s first death related to COVID-19 novel coronavirus.

“We regret to report that South Carolina has suffered its first death in an elderly person recently reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Physician Consultant. “Our state health officials continue to work with national and local partners to respond to this ongoing public health matter.”

The patient was from Lexington County and resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility. DHEC said it is working with the facility to identify all contacts and is providing guidance about infection control measures to prevent spread.

As of Sunday, March 15th, 28 cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the state. Regular updates on DHEC's monitoring and testing in the state is available here.

Cases by county

Kershaw, 14

Beaufort, 3

Horry, 3

Anderson, 2

Lancaster, 2

Charleston, 1

Spartanburg, 1

Lexington, 1

Greenville, 1