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Has the coronavirus reached Abbeville County?

Writer's picture: Henry E. GreenHenry E. Green

Has the coronavirus--COVID-19-- reached Abbeville County?


“Abbeville Area Medical Center has had one positive case of COVID-19 reported by DHEC’s state office in Columbia,” said Meg Davis, Abbeville Area Medical Center Marketing and Foundation Director, Thursday.


“It will take anywhere from two to four days to confirm the case with the CDC,” Davis said.


The case was identified through the fast track system AAMC had put in place to help reduce exposure to the virus.


Patients presenting with respiratory symptoms are being triaged in an area in front of the hospital and are being asked to return to their cars, call a dedicated phone number to register and wait for a phone call with further instructions.


Patients are then escorted to a special entrance where they are evaluated by a physician.


The hospital has a staff member acting as a courier who delivers the tests directly to DHEC’s state lab in Columbia twice daily in order to expedite the results, Davis indicated.


“As of 12:00 noon today, Abbeville Area Medical Center has tested a total of 29 patients for COVID-19,” Davis said Thursday afternoon. “Per DHEC, 10 are negative and only 1 is positive.”


That one “positive” case has been sent to the CDC for confirmation.


“We would like to stress that if you are experiencing mild symptoms, do not come to the hospital or your doctor's office,” she continued. “Self-quarantine at home.”


Davis is scheduled to have another update Thursday evening.


The news comes as the number of coronavirus cases soars, and the South Carolina Governor signed a $45 million emergency funding bill to fight the coronavirus.


There is no vaccine for the virus. Meanwhile, United Christian Ministries of Abbeville County has a list of things to do to help curb the spread of it:


  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

  • Cover your mouth if you cough.

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands

  • Avoid contact with sick people

  • Stay at least six feet away from individuals so if coughing should occur, the spicules will not reach the approaching individual

  • Refrain from shaking hands or giving hugs.

  • Stay at home if you are sick.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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