SC governor orders restaurants, bars to end dine-in service; 14 new COVID-19 cases reported 47 cases in South Carolina, 1 death reported Share Shares Copy Link Copy

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ALL THANK YOU AGAIN FOR COMING WE ARE DOING TAKING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO KEEP THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA INFORMED. COLD ON CHAPLAIN JASON STRONG OPENED THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I INVITE YOU ALL TO PRAY OR TO NOT PRAY. TO YOUR CONVICTIONS FOR TO JOIN WITH ME AS I OFFER A PRAYER. MY LOR YOU ARE MY COMFORT AMIDST UNCERTAINTY. BECAUSE YOU POSSESS THE POWER. TO CALM THE STORMS. YOU ARE UNCHANGING. POUR OUT YOUR DIVINE LOVE UPON US NOW. JUST AS YOU HAVE DONE IN THE PAST. MANIFESTED IN OUR NATIONAL STATE AND LOCAL LEADERSHIP AND ALSO THE VARIOUS AGENCY EXPERTS. IS THEY MAKE PLANS? ANALYZE DATA AND PROVOKE AND PROPOSE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS DEW THERE ARE COMPLEX PROBLEMS MANIFEST IT IN US AS A PEOPLE. AS OUR LIVES ARE DISRUPTED. CAUSE US TO BE A PATIENT. NIMBLE FLEXIBLE COOPERATIVE PEOPLE AND ABOVE ALL TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER REMEMBERING THAT WE ARE OUR BROTHERS KEEPERS. CALM OUR STORM. AND GRANT US. PEACE. MAY THIS PRESENT ADVERSITY. BE THE STAGE. UPON WHICH ALL THAT IS GOOD AND EXCELLENT. ABOUT THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BE DISPLAYED. WHEN THIS PESTILENCE IS ENDED. MAY WE TO BE JUDGED? AS HAVING BEEN UNCHANGED. IN OUR COMMITMENT. TO LOVE FIRST I HUMBLY ASK THIS. IN CHRIST’S NAME AMEN. THANK YOU. CHAPLAIN. GLAD TO HAVE WITH US JOSIE MCDANIEL BURKETT. SIGNING AND ALSO HOLLY ME TOO. WE THANK YOU FOR BEING. IN ISSUING AN EXECUTIVE ORDER WHICH WILL PROVIDE AS FOLLOWS. THIS IS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER. THESE ARE MANDATORY. REQUIREMENTS THESE ARE NOT REQUESTS. I’M REQUIRING STATE AGENCIES TO WAIVE ANY REGULATION THEY NEED TO WAVE IN ORDER TO ADDRESS MORE QUICKLY THAN REQUIREMENTS. OF THE CORONA VIRUS THAT IS ANY REGULATION. SO WE CAN MOVE MORE NIMBLY FASTER WITHOUT DELAY. I’M REQUIRING THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE TO EXTEND THE STATE TAX DEADLINES FOR ALL STATE TAXES. THEY ARE DELAYED UNTIL JUNE THE FIRST THAT IS TO FILE AND TOUPEE. ALL STATE TAXES AND THAT INCLUDES INCOME TAXES BUSINESS TAXES SALES TAXES FOR SMALL AS WELL AS LARGE BUSINESSES ADMISSIONS TAXES MOTOR FUEL TAXES AND ANY TAX I’VE LEFT OUT. IDEA BEHIND THIS IS TO ALLOW THESE BUSINESSES TO HAVE A MAINTAIN THEIR CASH FLOW DURING THIS CRISIS IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY BE ABLE TO PAY THE EMPLOYEES. NOW THOSE RULES ARE A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT FROM THE FEDERAL RULES. DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE HAS A WEBSITE WITH DETAILS. AND SO DOES THE FEDERAL? REVENUE SERVICE RESTAURANTS AND BARS INTO THIS IS A REQUIREMENT RESTAURANTS AND BARS MUST CLOSE. DON IN SERVICE STARTING TOMORROW, THAT IS TOMORROW MORNING NO MORE DYING IN SERVICE. IT IS ALLOWED AND RECOMMENDED. TAKE OUT CURBSIDE DELIVERY OF FOOD TO HOMES BUSINESSES. TAKE OUT ALL OF THAT BE INCREASED AND ENHANCE 12 POSSIBLE. THIS DECISION WAS MADE IN CONCERT WITH CONVERSATIONS WITH A NUMBER OF PEOPLE INCLUDING JOHN DURST, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION AND CHAIRMAN BOBBY WILLIAMS, AND WE’VE TALKED TO A LOT OF PEOPLE WE KNOW THIS IS A DISLOCATION. WE KNOW A LOT OF THESE ARE GOING TO CAUSE PROBLEMS FOR BUSINESSES, BUT THE ENEMY WE FACE IS ENEMY OF THIS VIRUS IS BIGGER THAN ANY SORT OF IRRITATION OF INCONVENIENCE THAT ANY OF US COULD HAVE SO WE ASKING PEOPLE TO STICK TOGETHER AND UNDERSTAND WE’RE IN A CRISIS. WE NEED TO TAKE THESE MEASURES. I’M ALSO ORDERING I’M PROHIBITING ORGANIZED EVENTS OF 50 OR MORE PEOPLE TO BE HELD IN ANY STATE COUNTY CITY OR PUBLICLY OWNED FACILITY. I’M REQUIRING THE NATIONAL GUARD TO BEGIN COORDINATING AND PLANNING WITH THE HOSPITALS. MOBILE FACILITIES TO BUILD INFRASTRUCTURE TO REQUIRE E ACQUIRE RESOURCES. THIS IS A PLAN B NOT DOING THIS, BUT WE’RE MAKING PLANS. OUR GOAL IS TO STAY AHEAD TO THINK AHEAD AND TO STOP THIS VIRUS. ALSO DHEC WILL RATE WAVE REGULATIONS. SO HOSPITALS CAN USE MEDICAL AND NURSING SCHOOL STUDENTS TO HELP IN THEIR OPERATIONS. NOW THOSE THAT I’VE MENTIONED OUR REQUIREMENTS THOSE ARE MANDATES IT WILL BE INCLUDED IN MY EXECUTIVE ORDER. I’M ALSO REQUESTING SOME THINGS NOT REQUIRING BUT RECOMMENDING AND REQUESTING THINGS THAT IS. SOUTH CAROLINA MAGIC MEDICAL AND SURGICAL CENTERS HALT ALL ELECTIVE AND NON-THREATENING SURGICAL AND MEDICAL PROCEDURES. WITHIN THE NEXT 72 HOURS. WHY IS THAT THAT WILL ALLOW FOR THE MEDICINES EQUIPMENT SPACE THINGS LIKE MASKS AND ALL THOSE SORTS OF EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL TO BE USED BY THE HOSPITALS TO TREAT THE THOSE WHO COME INTO THE HOSPITAL THIS WITH THIS VIRUS AND THEY’LL HAVE ROOM AND HAVE CAPACITY TO DO THAT. I’M ALSO ASKING I’M REQUESTING SOUTH CAROLINA INSURANCE COMPANIES. PEE TO PAY 100% OF THE COST ASSOCIATED WITH A CORONAVIRUS DOCTOR’S OFFICE VISIT IT IS WE WANT THOSE VISITS TO BE FREE FOR THE PATIENTS. THIS WILL MEANS THAT THEY WILL BE NO PAYMENT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THINGS LIKE X-RAYS TESTS AND PROCEDURES THAT ARE DONE IN CONNECTION. WITH TESTING AND DETERMINING THE PRESENCE OF THE ON THE COLDEST NIGHT TE IRIS, SOUTH CAROLINA INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE REQUESTED ARE REQUESTED TO INCENTIVIZE DOCTORS. TREAT PATIENTS WITH ON COVERT 19 ISSUES FOR TELEHEALTH RATHER THAN IN PERSON THAT IS IF IT CAN BE DONE BY TELEHEALTH, SO IF IT CAN BE DONE WITHOUT A NET AN IN-PERSON VISIT DO THAT THAT WILL ALLOW SPACE FOR THOSE WHO DO NEED TO COME IN FOR APPOINTMENTS FOR THE KOVAC 19 PATIENTS. I’M ALSO ASKING REQUESTING GROCERY STORES. LIKE COSTCO WALMART TARGET ALL THE REST TO LIMIT CUSTOMER PURCHASES. FOR THINGS LIKE PAPER PRODUCTS DISINFECTANTS WATER AND THOSE KIND OF THINGS WE EXPERIENCING RIGHT NOW WHERE PEOPLE ARE RUSHING IN AND BUYING WAY MORE THAN THEY NEED. AND THAT IS LIMITING THE SUPPLIES FOR OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE NONE SO LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PEOPLE OF SOUTH CAROLINA BE COURTEOUS BE SMART. WE DON’T NEED TO HOARD ALL OF THESE SUPPLIES LET YOUR NEIGHBORS HAVE ACCESS TO THEM AS WELL ALSO WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND IS HE DONE IN SOME PLACES? HAVE SENIOR HOURS FOR PEOPLE FOR OUR SENIORS TO COME INTO THESE STORES SO THEY ARE NOT. IN THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE REST OF THE CUSTOMERS WHO WOULD BE THERE THAT WILL GIVE OUR SENIORS THE COMFORT IN COMING IN WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT THE CATCHING THE VIRUS BECAUSE AS YOU KNOW, IT IS THE SENIORS AND OLDER PEOPLE. TYPICALLY THOSE WITH UNDERLYING CHRONIC CONDITIONS THAT ARE MOST VULNERABLE AND SUSCEPTIBLE. I ALSO AM ASKING EVERY PRIVATE EMPLOYER IN SOUTH CAROLINA ASKING EVERY PRIVATE EMPLOYER IN OUR STATE TO ALLOW WORKERS TO WORK REMOTELY IF THEY ARE NOT 100% ESSENTIAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE BUSINESS. WE’VE ALREADY DONE THIS FALL THE STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES. OKAY ASKING THE PRIVATE EMPLOYERS TO DO THAT AS WELL. SO IF THEY’RE NOT NEST DON’T HAVE NEED TO BE THERE IF IT’S NOT ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY FOR THEM TO BE THERE. THEM WORK REMOTELY. MUCH AS YOU CAN AND THAT WILL HELP US. CONTROL THIS VIRUS NOW I’D TO CALL ON SUPERINTENDENT SPIRIT. THANK YOU GOVERNOR SINCE THE GOVERNOR MADE HIS ANNOUNCEMENT SUNDAY AFTERNOON THAT ALL SCHOOLS IN SOUTH CAROLINA WOULD BE CLOSED. THERE HAVE BEEN LOTS OF THINGS HAPPENING ONE SUPERINTENDENT CALLED ME TODAY AND SAID THE REASON I LIKE TO BE IN EDUCATION. IT’S BECAUSE I CAN GIVE MY FOLKS AND IMPOSSIBLE TASK. AND THEY CAN DO IT VERY WELL. AND I KNOW THAT’S NOT JUST TRUE OF EDUCATION BUT ALL OF OUR SERVICE PROVIDERS ARE EMERGENCY PHONE. SOME MEDICAL FOLKS THANK YOU TO ALL OF THEM, BUT ESPECIALLY THE TEACHERS PRINCIPALS SUPERINTENDENTS VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE BEEN COMING IN TO HELP US. WE HAV SEND OUT INSTRUCTION PACKETS ALL ACROSS THE STATE STUDENTS. WORKING ON THOSE ARE ELEARNING. PROCESS IS WORKING VERY WELL. YESTERDAY AND TODAY WE HAVE APPROVED OVER 600 FEEDING SITES ACROSS SOUTH CAROLINA USING A THOUSAND PLUS BUSES TO DELIVER MEALS TO THOSE STUDENTS WHO COULD NOT COME OR DRIVE BY. TO SEE WHERE THOSE FEEDING SITES ARE YOU CAN GO ON THE WEBSITE OF YOUR LOCAL DISTRICT OR THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S WEBSITE, WHICH IS EDIE. ART, SC. GOVT DDD SC GOVT OUR PARTNERS, SOUTH CAROLINA ETV ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ON TUESDAY, MARCH THE HE SIX THEY WILL CHANGE THEIR PROGRAMMING FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. IT WILL BE FILLED WITH INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMMING CONTENT AREA PROGRAMMING ALL AGE LEVELS. I’D SAY TO PARENTS. SO RIGHT NOW YOU CAN USE ETV PARTICULARLY IN THE MORNINGS FOR YOUR YOUNGSTERS YOUR YOUNG LEARNERS AND THERE ARE SOMETIMES THERE WHERE CONTENT MATERIAL IS GIVEN BUT THAT WILL BE EXTENDED BEGINNING MARCH 26. AND PARENTS ONE OF THE THINGS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO DO. IS TO TAKE SOME TIME AND REALLY JUST TALK PARTICULAR YOUNG LEARNERS. THEY’RE NOT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. SO THEY’RE AT HOME NOW AND THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND ALL OF WHAT’S HAPPENING A LOT OF STRESS. AND I KNOW IT’S STRESSFUL ON YOU AS WELL. WE HAVE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE AT SC DOT-GOV SOME TIPS THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN BY THE AMERICAN. SOCIETY OF PSYCHOLOGIST, I THINK THEY’RE VERY VERY GOOD AND I’D ASK YOU TO TAKE TIME TO SPEAK WITH YOUR CHILDREN ABOUT THIS. IT’S VERY FRIGHTENING, BUT WE CAN GET THROUGH THIS TOGETHER. PEOPLE ARE STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE. FINALLY, I DID SEND A LETTER TODAY TO THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. ASKING FOR A WAIVER ON OUR FEDERAL MANDATED TESTING. I ANTICIPATE HEARING BACK FROM THEM OTHER STATES ARE FOLLOWING IN THAT AND WE WILL KEEP YOU POSTED. WE’RE ALSO AT THE GOVERNOR’S DIRECTION LOOKING AT ALL OF OUR REGULATIONS. AND WE WILL BE ASKING FOR RELIEF OF THOSE THAT WE NEED TO YOU. TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THIS PAIN. MC AND TO REALLY SUPPORT OUR FAMILIES STUDENTS IN THE PROPER WAY THANK YOU. GOVERNOR. DARK LINDA BARREL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON. AS AN UPDATE. THE EGG IS NOW REPORTING A TOTAL OF 47 CASES OF COVET 19 IN 13 COUNTIES ACROSS OUR STATE. THIS INCLUDES FOUR FROM BEAUFORT. CHARLESTON ONE FROM CALHOUN 22 FROM KERSHAW TO FROM LANCASTER ONE FROM FAIRFIELD THREE FROM LEXINGTON ONE FROM RICHLAND ONE FROM YORK ONE FROM SPARTANBURG TO FROM ANDERSON DEW FROM GREENVILLE AND FOR FROM HORRY COUN SADLY THIS INCLUDES OUR STATE’S FIRST REPORTED DEATH OF A PATIENT WHO RECENTLY HAD BEEN REPORTED TO HAVING BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH COVERT 19. THE PATIENT WAS AN ELDERLY PERSON FROM LEXINGTON COUNTY AND WAS A RESIDENT OF LEXINGTON MEDICAL CENTER EXTENDED CARE SKILLED NURSING FACILITY. THE PATIENT HAD UNDERLYING HEALTH ISSUES PRIOR TO TESTING POSITIVE FOR KOVIN 19. BECAUSE OF THESE UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, WE DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF DEATH. WE REPORTED ON THE PATIENT’S DEATH YESTERDAY. WE ARE CONTINUING TO WORK WITH THE FACILITY TO IDENTIFY ALL CONTACTS AND ARE PROVIDING GUIDANCE ABOUT INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE SPREAD WHAT WERE YOU BEEN EXPECTING A DAY IN WHICH WE WOULD HAVE TO MAKE THIS ANNOUNCEMENT? IT’S NEVER EASY TO HAVE TO REPORT ON THE DEATH OF A FELLOW MEMBER OF OUR COMMUNITY. ON BEHALF OF ALL SOUTH CAROLINIANS, WE WANT TO EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY FOR THE FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. THIS PATIENT THIS LOSS IS A REMINDER. THE IMPORTANCE OF TAKING PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT THOSE AT HIGHER RISK. LIKE THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH SERIOUS UNDERLYING HEALTH CONDITIONS FROM EXPOSURE TO ILLNESS. SOUTH CAROLINA’S LEAD PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITY OUR TOP PRIORITIES REMAIN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF DISEASE. AND PROTECTING THE PUBLIC’S HEALTH AS OF LATE YESTERDAY DX PUBLIC HEALTH LABORATORY HAS CONDUCTED 456 TESTS. 47 OR POSITIVE AND 409 OR NEGATIVE. THIS DID NOT CONCLUDE THE NEGATIVE PERFORMED BY OTHER REFERENCE. WE KNOW THAT MANY SOUTH CAROLINIANS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IMPACT THE VIRUS MAY HAVE ON THEMSELVES THEIR LOVED ONES AND ON OUR STATE. WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY SAYING ONGOING TRANSMISSION. IN ONE COUNTY, KERSHAW COUNTY WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE PREPARED. TO REMAIN CALM AND RATIONAL AS MORE CASES OCCUR. RECOGNIZE THAT THE MAJORITY OF ILLNESSES ARE RELATIVELY MILD THE TYPE OF ILLNESS FOR INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT NORMALLY EVEN SEEK MEDICAL CARE. BASED ON WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR THE CDC EXPECTS THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WILL AT SOME POINT EITHER THIS YEAR OR NEXT YEAR POTENTIALLY BE EXPOSED TO THE COVERT 19 VIRUS. THIS WILL INCLUDE RESIDENTS HERE IN SOUTH CAROLINA. HOWEVER, IT’S IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL LIKELY NOT DEVELOP SERIOUS. IS OCCURRING AS WE EXPECTED IT TO YOU STILL MUST CONTINUE TO TAKE MEASURES TO HELP SAFEGUARD AGAINST ILLNESS INCLUDING PRACTICING GOOD HYGIENE. LIKE FREQUENTLY WASHING HANDS AND WE MEAN THOROUGHLY WASHING HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS. THIS IS JUST A VISUAL. UM BETWEEN THE FINGERS WITH SOAP AND WATER EVERY TIME YOU TOUCH A SURFACE WHEN YOU’VE BEEN IN PUBLIC. OR YOUR HANDS ARE POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED. THAT’S ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT MEASURES IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF DISEASE. WE ALSO REMIND PEOPLE TO COVER YOUR COUGH TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF RESPIRATORY DROPLETS. INDIVIDUALS WITH SIGNS OF ILLNESS ARE ASKED TO TAKE SERIOUSLY THE RECOMMENDATION TO STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL AND WORK AND NOT ATTEND PUBLIC GATHERINGS. WE DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT EVERYONE WHO IS ILL. A TEST TO SEE IF THEY HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED OR IF THEY HAVE KOVIN 19. AND IF DISEASE ACTIVITY INCREASES SIGNIFICANTLY WE WILL ADVISE PEOPLE TO STAY HOME GET BETTER AND SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF SYMPTOMS ARE WORSENING. THIS WILL ALLOW OUR HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AND OUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO GIVE CARE TO THOSE THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST. THIS WILL LIKELY BE AN EXTENDED RESPONSE. PLEASE NO. BUT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE CONSTANTLY MONITORING OUR EPIDEMIOLOGIC DATA AND FOLLOWING CDC GUIDANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRATEGIES SLOW THE SPREAD OF DISEASE IN OUR UNITY’S HAS CASES INCREASE. WE ARE PRIORITIZING IDENTIFYING THE CLOSE CONTACTS WHO ARE AT HIGH RISK OF ILLNESS. THOSE WHO ARE KNOWN TO BE INFECTED AND ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER SERIOUS ILLNESS. THIS INCLUDES OUR NURSING HOMES AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES. AS WELL AS OTHER VULNERABLE POPULATIONS WITH UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES. WE LIKE OTHER STATES ARE ALSO BEGINNING TO PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING FOR COMMUNITIES AS A WHOLE. THE NUMBER OF CASES THAT ULTIMATELY OCCUR WILL DEPEND IN PART ON ALL OF OUR EFFORTS TO PRACTICE GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE LIKE HAND-WASHING. AND PROTECTING OTHERS BY STAYING HOME WHEN ILL PLEASE KNOW THAT OUR PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE CONSTANTLY MONITORING OUR EPIDEMIOLOGIC DATA AND FOLLOWING CDC GUIDANCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STRATEGIES TO SLOW THE SPREAD OF THIS DISEASE IN OUR COMMUNITIES. WE ALSO CONTINUE TO WORK WITH FEDERAL STATE AND LOCAL PARTNERS. TO PREPARE AND RESPOND TO THE SITUATION TO BEST PROTECT THE HEALTH OF THE RESIDENTS OF SOUTH. AND I WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OF OUR PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSIONALS. WHO HAVE BEEN WORKING AROUND-THE-CLOCK THE CLOCK DILIGENTLY SINCE WE FIRST RECOGNIZED? IN THE STATES THEY’RE INVESTIGATING REPORTED CASES. YOU’RE FOLLOWING UP ON THE CONTEXT OF KNOWN CASES AND EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON STEPS. THEY CAN TAKE TO HELP PREVENT THE SAFETY AND AND HEALTH OF OUR STATE. AND I’D ALSO LIKE TO HELP TO THANK OUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS. WHO ARE WORKING COMPASSIONATELY? TO MEET THIS SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR CARE. WE ARE STILL LEARNING ABOUT THIS VIRUS AND WE ARE COMMITTED TO KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED. AS WE LEARN MORE WE WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE UPDATES AS QUICKLY AND AS TIMELY AS POSSIBLE. FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION I ENCOURAGE YOU TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT SEDA DOT-GOV /KO VAT19 THANK YOU. ALL THERE ANY QUESTION WHAT ARE YOU ALL EXPECTING NOW? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT? THAT IS DIFFICULT TO PREDICT AND IT DEPENDS LARGELY ON HOW SUCCESSFUL WE ARE. AND IMPLEMENTING THESE COMMUNITY MITIGATION. AND SO AND CONTINUE COMMUNITY CONTAINMENT MEASURES. SO THAT TO THE EXTENT THAT INDIVIDUALS TAKE VERY SERIOUSLY. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THEY DO NOT GO IN PUBLIC WHILE ILL AND THAT THEY ARE VERY FASTIDIOUS ABOUT HAND WASHING ABOUT PERSONAL HYGIENE. THAT CAN SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE. AND CAN SLOW THE SPREAD OF DISEASE. AND SO WE CAN IT’S DIFFICULT TO PREDICT. THESE ADDITIONAL MEASURES. WE HOPE WILL SLOW THE SPREAD. BELL NEWS STANDARD CARE FACILITY THE NEWEST VERSION OF THE NEWEST LEXINGTON COUNTY CASE THAT WE WERE REPORTING WAS A KNOWN CONTACT TO A PREVIOUSLY. WOODY CA HOUSE HAS CONTRACTED THE QURAN. A LOBBYIST WHO WAS IN THE STATEHOUSE AS LATE AS LAST WEEK. ANY SPECIAL MEASURES BEING TAKEN AT THE STATE HOUSE BECAUSE OF THIS. SO REGARDLESS OF WHO BECOMES INFECTED THAT COMES TO OUR ATTENTION WE RECOMMEND THE SAME. WE ASKED THOSE WHO ARE DIAGNOSED IF THEY CAN STAY HOME. THEY CAN STAY IN SELF-HELP SELF-ISOLATION AT HOME IF THEY DO DO NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL CARE. WE ASK THAT THEY’RE CLOSE CONTACTS REMAIN IN QUARANTINE FOR 14 DAYS AFTER THE LAST CONTACT WAS SOMEONE WHO IS ILL. AND TO NOT GO IN PUBLIC PLACES TO CAREFULLY MONITOR. THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS. SO THE MEASURES ARE THE SAME. WHEN FOR EACH NEW CASE THAT WE IN PUBLIC SETTINGS WE DO NOT SEEK TO. IDENTIFY ALL INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE IN A LARGE PUBLIC GATHERING BECAUSE WE DON’T CONSIDER ALL THE INDIVIDUALS IN A LARGE PUBLIC GATHERING TO BE EXPOSED. SO IT IS THE CLOSE CONTACTS OF INDIVIDUALS THAT WE FOCUS ON FOR SPECIFIC DISEASE. EXCUSE ME FOR A SPECIFIC DISEASE PREVENTION MEASURES. GEOFF MA AND WHETHER THERE MIGHT BE A BACK OFF. SO DO YOU THINK IS ABLE TO REPORT ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES PERFORMED BOTH POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE? PRIVATE REFERENCE LABS REPORT POSITIVE REPORTS TO US WE DON’T KNOW THE NUMBER THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TESTS PERFORMED BY. APPS QUESTIO WHAT WE’RE ADVISING INDIVIDUALS AND I THINK YOU’RE ASKING ABOUT HIGH-RISK SETTINGS LIKE CHILD IS THAT CORRECT? SO WE DO CONSIDER. IS THERE A FACILITY CERTAIN SITUATIONS TO BE HIGHER RISK BECAUSE THEY ARE CONGREGATE SETTINGS. AND AND SO FOR EXAMPLE IN A CHILDCARE SETTING THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN WHO DON’T PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE. THEY’RE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH ONE ANOTHER FOR MANY HOURS DURING THE DAY. WE HAVE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SETTINGS LIKE THAT. FROM EVERYTHING FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANING FOR MONITORING FOR ILLNESS. WE ASK THAT IF CHILDCARE CENTERS REMAIN REMAIN HOME THAT THEY MONITOR AND INFORM PARENTS ABOUT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS THAT THEY NOT SEND THEIR CHILDREN. YOU A CHILDCARE SETTING SETTING IF THEY HAVE ANY SIGNS OF ILLNESS. THOSE ARE SOME. SPECIFIC MEASURES THAT WE TAKE FOR LIKE THAT YES, ACTUALLY THEY APPLY TO ALL STAFF TO ALL THE ASSISTANTS TO EVERYONE CONNECTED WITH THE IF THERE HAS BEEN ADDITIONAL SPREAD AT THAT, LEXINGTON YESTERDAY WHO HAD CONTACT? HOW DO YOU SPELL? SO I DO NOT HAVE DETAILS TO REPORT ON EACH. VISUAL CASE BUT WE DO KNOW THAT THE FIRST TWO CASES REPORTED FROM COUNTY WERE KNOWN CONTACTS ICU BEDS IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA WILLIAMS IS DOCTOR TOO? SO THE QUESTION WAS WITHIN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, DO WE HAVE ENOUGH ICU BEDS OR VENTILATORS? IT WILL DEPEND UPON THE SEVERITY OF THE ILLNESS. I THINK THE STEPS TAKEN ALTHOUGH ELECTIVE ADMISSIONS AND ELECTIVE PROCEDURES BEING CURTAILED WILL HELP THE STAFF AND BE ABLE TO FOCUS THEIR CARE ON THE CRITICALLY ILL. IT’S GOING TO BE A DAY BY DAY. WE MONITOR THE HOSPITAL’S EVERY SIX HOURS FOR THEIR SENSES. SO WE’VE ACTIVATED THE REPORTING SYSTEM FOR HOSPITALS TO GIVE US ON HOSPITAL BEDS. THIS MORNING AT 10:00. WE WERE IN THE GREEN CATEGORY. SO THERE WAS NOT A A SHORTAGE IN ANYONE HOSPITAL THAT REPORTE BUILD TEMPORARY MEDICAL FACILITIES IF HOSPITALS ARE OVERCROWDED. THAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PLAN THAT WE ARE DEVELOPING. WE’VE NOT GOTTEN TO THAT POINT, BUT WE ARE DOING ALL WE CAN TO STAY AHEAD. SO WE ARE PLANNING IN A NUMBER OF DIRECTIONS. FOR A NUMBER OF CONTINGENCIES AND THAT IS ONE OF THEM. AS FAR AS RESTAURANTS AND AT WHAT POINT ARE WE GOING? FROM A RECOMMENDATIONS O THAT IS IN THE EXECUTIVE ORDER. BARS RESTAURANTS DINING FACILITIES HOT FOR TAKE-OU SUCH MEASURES ARE OPTIONS THAT ARE ON THE TABLE WE DO THOSE IMPLEMENT THOSE THINGS AS THEY BECOME NECESSARY. NEAR OPINION LOOKS LIKE TODAY THE SENATE 45 MILLION DOLLAR. QUEST FOR DHEC AND WE UNDERSTAND THE THE HOUSE IS COMING IN ON THURSDAY. AND TO DO THE SAME THING WHAT THAT WILL GIVE US 45 MILLION DOLLARS IN ADDITION TO WHAT WE WERE RECEIVING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE ARE ARE STRONG IN OUR DEFENSES AND OPERATIONS. HERE CAN HEALTH CARE, BUT WE’RE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN. AND TO SEE THAT WE HAVE ALL OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO DO WHATEVER IS NECESSARY TO TAKE SUSPENDED THEY GOT THEY’RE GOING TO DO THEY’RE GOING TO DO THAT. NOW. THE HOUSE IS ON FURLOUGH. I BELIEVE THAT THAT WILL BE UP TO THEM. BUT OF COURSE WHEN THEY COME BACK THEY ARE LIMITING THAT TO ONLY THE ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL WE NEED TO DO THE BUSINESS OF THE STATE, BUT WE NEED TO BE VERY VERY CAREFUL. YES, SIR. HOSPITAL IN GEORGETOWN CASE IN ORANGE COUNTY WE’RE REPORTING CASES BY THE COUNTY LEVEL NOT BY THE WHAT ABOU SHOULD THEY TAKE CAUTION WHEN EMBALMING BODIES THAT ARE PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIED BECAUSE OF THE VIRUS AND THEN WHAT ABOUT FUNERAL HOMES? WHAT IS THE WHY ABILITY FOR THEM HAVING FUNERALS? SOMEONE TO COME IN TO VIEW A BODY OR DURING THAT SERVICE AND THEY’RE SICK. FUNERAL DIRECTORS LIKE HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS OUR ADVISE TO ALWAYS MAINTAIN UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS SO REGARDLESS OF KNOWN CAUSE OF DEATH. THEY FOLLOW SPECIFIC MEASURES AT ALL TIMES WHEN HANDLING HUMAN REMAINS. WITH REGARDS TO FUNERAL SERVICES WE WOULD FOLLOW THE SAME RECOMMENDATIONS THAT WE ARE MAKING FOR ALL COMMUNITY GATHERINGS. TO AVOID NON-ESSENTIAL GATHERINGS AND SO THAT WOULD BE LEFT UP TO THE PERSONAL PREFERENCES OF FAMILIES. AND COMMUNITIES ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS SPECI THINGS LIKE THAT. THIS IS A BIG DEAL OUT THERE WITH THE PUBLIC RIGHT NOW. THESE STORES ARE SWAMPED OVERWHELMED WITH SHOPPERS. I KNOW YOU TOUCHED ON IT EARLIER, BUT WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOUTH CAROLINIANS ABOUT TO THE GROCERY STORE IT? WHEN THEY GO INSID COULD YOU REPEAT THE QUESTION, PLEASE? WHAT SHOPPERS PANIC BUYING SO WE WERE WONDERING? IN THESE GROCERY STORES RIGHT NOW AS THESE AS THE PANIC BUYING CONTINUES. WE’RE PROVIDING AS MUCH INFORMATION AS WE CAN TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM. AND ASKING PEOPLE TO REMAIN TO BEHAVE RATIONALLY. TO TO MAKE PURCHASES TO MEET THEIR BASIC NEEDS THEIR BASIC IMMEDIATE NEEDS. THERE’S NO THERE’S NO NEED TO STOCKPILE RESOURCES. WE DO ASK PEOPLE TO TO ALSO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY IN PUBLIC IF THEY’RE ILL. SOMEONE ELSE GET THOSE GROCERIES FOR THEM USE SERVICES FOR THE DELIVERY OF GROCERIES. SO THERE IS NO NEED TO PANIC AND AND SO WE’RE TRYING TO REASSURE PEOP HAVE A RIPPLE EFFECT THAT AFFECT OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY BASED ON PANIC BEHAVIORS. DOES THAT MEAN THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE -- >> THAT WAS ADDRESSED. IT DOES NOT EXCLUDE THAT. >> CAN YOU GO INTO DX POLICY ABOUT THOSE TESTED POSITIVE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS? DO THEY NEED TO TESTS TO B -- TWO TESTS TO BE DEEMED CURED? >> WE ASK THAT THEY DON’T RETURN TO WORK UNTIL THEY ARE SYMPTOM. SOME INDIVIDUALS MAY REQUIRE TESTS AFTER SYMPTOMS REVOLVED -- RESOLVED TO SHOW THEY ARE NO LONGER CARRYING THE VIRUS. WE WANT TO MAKE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR, WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF QUESTIONS. YOU ARE TESTING PEOPLE WITHOUT SYMPTOMS. THAT IS ONLY TO ALLOW THEM TO RETURN TO WORK. I WANT TO STRONGLY EMPHASIZE THAT WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING TESTING INDIVIDUALS. WE ARE GETTING A LOT OF QUESTIONS ABOUT SHOULD PEOPLE BE TESTED SO THEY CAN GO TO WORK? IF YOU TEST IN A QUARANTINE. YOU DON’T KNOW IF YOU TESTED IN THE TIMEFRAME TO DETECT THE VIRUS. >> YOU RETESTED BEFORE. >> IT DEPENDS ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS. IF THE TESTING IS BEING PERFORMED SO THEY CAN RETURN TO A CENTRAL DUTY LIKE BEING I HEALTH CARE PROVIDER, FOR THE VAST MAJORITY, WE ARE NOT RECOMMENDING ANY TESTING. >> CAN YOU CATCH IT AGAIN? IS IT LIKE A STOMACH VIRUS? >> THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT WE DON’T KNOW YET ABOUT THIS VIRUS. THE POSSIBILITY OF REINFECTION WITH THE SAME STRAIN OF THIS VIRUS IS NOT CURRENTLY KNOWN. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THEY CAN’T CATCH SOMETHING ELSE AND IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT PEOPLE CAN’T BE INFECTED WITH TO VIRUSES AT THE SAME TIME. -- TWO VIRUSES AT THE SAME TIME. >> OUR FRONT-LINE EPIDEMIOLOGISTS ARE THE ONES THAT ARE INVESTIGATING THE CONTEXT OF HIGH RISK EXPOSURES. THE EXPECTATION THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO REPORT ON THE NUMBER MONITORED WILL NOT BE FEASIBLE. THE NUMBER SURROUNDING THOSE CASES MAY BECOME MANAGEABLE. >> WHAT IS OUR CAPACITY? THEY ARE KIND OF RUNNING OUT OF SWABS TO DO THESE TEST. DO WE ADDRESS THAT NEED? DO WE HAVE THE SUPPLIES? >> THE SUPPLIES WE HAVE, WE HAVE SUFFICIENT SUPPLIES TO COMPLETE THE TEST BUT THERE IS A STATEWIDE -- IN LOCALES, SWABS ARE GETTING TO BE IN SHORTER SUPPLY. THEY ARE RUNNING SHORT ON THE SWABS. THE SWABS ARE VERY IMPORTANT. Q-TIPS, WE THANK YOU. THEY ARE VERY SPECIFIC. THAT IS A CRITICAL PART OF THE PROCESS. WE HAVE ENOUGH SUPPLIES TO RUN THE TEST AT THE D HAD PUBLIC HEALTH LAB. -- DHEC PUBLIC HEALTH LAB. >> WHAT ABOUT THE STOCK PILE? >> WE HAVE REQUESTED A DISBURSEMENT OF THOSE. WE HAVE RECEIVED THE FIRST DELIVERY TODAY. WE ARE INVENTORYING THAT DELIVERY. YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU GET UNTIL YOU OPEN UP SOME OF THE CONTAINERS. WE WILL REPORT ON WHAT WE RECEIVED. IT WILL HAVE GOWNS, RESPIRATORS, VARIOUS PARTS OF THE PPE THAT IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO DISTRIBUTE. >> WHAT ABOUT THE FRONT DESK? WHAT ABOUT THE PRIVATE SECTORS? >> I CAN ANSWER THE QUESTION REGARDING TEACHERS. TEACHERS WILL BE PAID. THOSE ARE DISTRICT EMPLOYEES. THEIR FUNDING IS THROUGH THEIR DISTRICT. THEY ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE. THEIR INTENT IS TO KEEP THOSE PEOPLE PAID. WE ARE BRINGING MANY OF THEM INTO WORK. THE DISTRICT ARE HOPING TO KEEP ALL THOSE PEOPLE PAID. THAT IS A LOCAL ISSUE. >> ANY CHANCE YOU WILL EXTEND THE TIME THE CHILDREN HAVE OUT OF SCHOOL WAS TO MARK ANY CHANCE YOU WILL EXTEND THAT? >> AS FAR AS EXTENDING ANY CLOSURES, WE WILL MAKE THAT DECISION AS IT GETS CLOSER. THE DECISION WILL BE AT THAT TIME. >> AS TO THE COURT SYSTEM, THIS IS THE CORNERSTONE OF ANY WORKING DEMOCRACY. WE ARE ENCOUNTERING THAT RIGHT NOW. THIS IS A ROLLCALL. WHAT WE ARE DOING NOW IN A NUTSHELL IS WE ARE ONL HOLDING NECESSARY PROCEDURES. >> WHAT IS BEING DONE FOR THEM? >> EMPLOYEES THAT ARE OUT SICK AND QUARANTINED CAN DRAW ON THE COMPANY POLICIES FOR SICK LEAVE. SOME COMPANIES HAVE PAID NFL I. HIS COMPANY SHUT DOWN HIS CLUES, CUT HIS HOURS AND THAT EMPLOYEE CAN FILE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT IN THE STATE. THE THIRD POSSIBLE AVENUE IS THE FEDERAL HOUSE BILL MUST BE PASSED. THAT IS IN THE SENATE. THEY ARE TEMPTING TO WORK OUT A COMPROMISE. THERE ARE A VARIETY OF KNOWN SOURCES OF INCOME FOR COMPANY POLICIES TO UNEMPLOYMENT. IF THERE LAID OUT -- LAID OFF, IF THEY ARE OUT SICK. THEN THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY AND GREAT PROBABILITY THAT THIS LEGISLATION WILL PASS IN CONGRESS. AND THERE WILL BE SOME RELIEF FOR EMPLOYEES. >> YOU HAVE SAID THAT DOCTORS TEST FOR THE FLU AND RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES. HOW MUCH DO THOSE TESTS COST? >> IT CAN DEPEND ON YOUR INSURANCE PROVIDER AND YOUR COVERAGE. >> ARE YOU ASKING INSURANCE COMPANIES TO COVER THOSE COSTS? >> YES. >> TO THE GUIDELINES CHANGE AT ALL? A FEW RECOMMENDATIONS ARE NO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS. IS THERE ANY OTHER QUALIFICATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN LOWERED FOR PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THEY MIGHT HAVE COME IN CONTACT AT THIS POINT? >> NO. WHAT WE HAVE COMMUNICATED TO PROVIDERS IS TO STICK AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE. LOOK FOR FEVER, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, FATIGUE. IT IS UP TO THEM TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS SOME GRAY AREA IN TERMS OF THE MEETING THE CRITERIA. AS THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER MAKING THE DECISION, THAT IS TESTING. WE DO WANT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE NOT TO SEEK TESTING UNNECESSARILY. >> ARE YOU KEEPING UP WITH THIS? ARE THERE SITUATIONS IN STABLE CONDITION? -- THEIR SITUATIONS IN STABLE CONDITION WEST AND MARK -- CONDITION? >> WE DON’T TRACK THEIR OUTCOMES OR THEIR STATUS. THAT INFORMATION IS CONFIDENTIAL. IF YOU WERE TO ASK ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL PERSON’S STATUS, THAT IS A VIOLATION TO REPORT UNPROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION. -- ON PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION. >> WHAT ABOUT STUDENTS GOING HOME FROM THERE UNIVERSITIES? WHAT WOULD BE THE MESSAGE TO THE STUDENTS GOING FORWARD? >> IF STUDENTS ARE STILL IN THEIR HEALTH CARE TRAINING TRACK, MEDICAL STUDENTS AND NURSING STUDENTS, IF THEY ARE IN THE YEARS WHERE THEY ARE ACTUALLY PRACTICING IN CLINICAL SETTINGS, I THINK THOSE ARE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE SOME HEALTH CARE TRAINING AND COULD BE USED. >> WILL THEY BE PAID OR WILL THIS BE LIKE COLLEGE CREDIT? >> IF THE HOSPITALS UTILIZE OR DECIDE TO UTILIZE STUDENTS THAT MEET A CERTAIN LEVEL OF EXPERIENCE AND CRITERIA, I WOULD EXPECT THAT THEY WOULD BE COMPENSATED FOR THAT LEVEL. SOME STUDENTS ARE PART OF THAT AND THEY REQUIRE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF HOURS TO ACCOMPLISH THEIR DEGREE. THERE IS A FINE LINE IN THEIR. I WOULD SAY IF YOU ARE TRANSITIONING FROM THE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT TO A WORK ENVIRONMENT, I WOULD EXPECT THEM TO BE LOGICALLY PAID. >> DID WE GET ANY INFORMATION ON THE CASE IN RICHMOND COUNTY? >> AS LONG AS IT IS FEASIBLE TO NOTIFY INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE DIAGNOSED AND TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS AROUND THEM, WE WILL CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY THE CLOSE CONTACTS WHO ARE AT HIGHEST RISKS OF BECOMING ILL. AS CASE COUNTS INCREASE, THAT MAY NOT BE FEASIBLE TO IDENTIFY EVERY SINGLE CASE REPORTED TO FIND EVERY SINGLE CONTACT. OUR FOCUS MOVES TO CONTAINMENT AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL TO ADVISE INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS IF THEY HAPPEN TO KNOW THAT THEY HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH SOMEONE. TO TAKE THOSE MEASURES THEY ADVISED TO MONITOR FOR SYMPTOMS. AS WE EXPECT CASES TO INCREASE, IT MAY NOT BE FEASIBLE FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVESTIGATE EACH FACE-TO-FACE CONTACT OF EVERY SINGLE CASE. >> DOES DHEC HAVE ANY MODEL THEY ARE BASING THIS OFF OF? SOMEONE SEES THE NATIONAL PICTURE AND THEY DO SEE THE BIGGER CITIES. >> THE CDC HAS A TASK FORCE THAT IS DOING MODELING FOR LOOKING AT A NUMBER OF VARIABLES. INCLUDING HOW TRANSMISSIBLE THE VIRUS IS, THE EXPECTATION OF SPREAD BASED ON THE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF CONTACTS. THEY ARE LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF SPREAD FROM PEOPLE WHO DO NOT YET HAVE SYMPTOMS. THOSE ARE BEING MODELED BY THE CDC. WE ARE MONITORING THAT. WE ARE BASING A LOT OF OUR MEASURES ON WHAT WE KNOW FROM OTHER CORONA VIRUSES THAT ARE GENETICALLY SIMILAR TO THIS ONE. >> WE THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION. THESE MEASURES ARE GOING TO BE INCONVENIENT FOR A LOT OF OUR PEOPLE BUT IT IS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY IN THIS HO

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