By Martine Wolfe-Miller, Mount Pleasant Communications Manager
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (March 7, 2020) – The Town of Mount Pleasant, in coordination with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is closely monitoring a rapidly emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and coordinating with key healthcare and community partners to mitigate its impacts. Patients with COVID-19 have reported mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
DHEC is investigating two possible cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in South Carolina. One case is located in Kershaw County and one case is located in Charleston County. According to DHEC, the samples tested positive at their public health laboratory and were sent to the CDC for confirmation testing.
DHEC urges individuals concerned about their own personal health or individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, to please call their personal doctor or healthcare provider. These healthcare providers can evaluate the cause of the illness and, if appropriate, can discuss testing for COVID-19 with DHEC. For individuals meeting the criteria for testing, DHEC will help arrange testing along with the individual’s healthcare provider.
Individuals at increased risk for COVID-19 complications due to age or severe underlying medical condition should take actions to reduce their risk of exposure.
The CDC recommends taking the following preventive measures:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
For more information, visit SCDEHC and CDC’s websites.