SC health leaders urge residents not to go to hospitals for COVID-19 tests

YORK COUNTY, S.C. — South Carolina health officials reported after the holidays that the state has a COVID-19 percent of positivity rate of 27.9%.

The CDC estimates the omicron variant is responsible for 95% of new cases across the country, as of Jan. 1.

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One month ago, the Palmetto State reported a 1% positivity rate.

“They’re not paying attention,” resident James Davis said of the general public. “They’re not wearing their masks. They’re going into crowds, partying and then they wonder why they’re coming down with the virus.”

In York County, there were 25 confirmed cases reported on Nov. 4, 2021. Two months later, there were 4,568 confirmed cases.

The high number of cases is taking its toll on hospitals, and state leaders are asking the public not to go to hospitals for testing.

The latest data shows that 1,288 patients with COVID-19 are hospitalized, which is 67.1 % higher than one week ago.

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“Most COVID-positive individuals with mild-to-moderate symptoms can safely recover at home without emergency medical attention, and anyone needing a COVID-19 test should visit a testing site or pharmacy instead of an emergency room,” officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control stated.

People with mild symptoms have been instructed to stay home.

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Health officials said people with serious symptoms like intense chest pain, extreme weakness, disorientation or difficulty breathing should call 911 or visit an emergency room.

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