SC confirms more than 4,000 total coronavirus deaths, nears 200,000 confirmed cases

South Carolina surpassed 4,000 confirmed deaths related to the coronavirus on Tuesday.

More than 20 new deaths were reported on Tuesday alone. Another 303 deaths in total are being investigated by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

In addition, the state is close to recording 200,000 confirmed cases of the virus.

A high percentage of daily tests are returning positive results for COVID-19, indicating community transmission of the virus remains widespread. Out of the 10,407 tests conducted for Tuesday’s report, 13.2 percent came back positive.

The virus continues to be active in the state’s long-term care facilities. While they represent about 6 percent of confirmed cases, the facilities have had nearly four in 10 of South Carolina’s deaths.

There have been 11,566 confirmed coronavirus cases in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities: 7,459 residents and 4,107 staff workers, according to DHEC data.

So far, 1,554 residents have died from the virus, a mortality rate of 21 percent. Twenty-six workers also have died. Together, they account for 39 percent of deaths in the state, the data released Tuesday shows.

Of the 685 facilities DHEC monitored, the virus has been found in 414. There are active outbreaks at 136 of them.

Some type of visitation — indoor, outdoor or both — is allowed at 458 facilities; 210 do not allow it; and 17 did not report.

Statewide numbers

New cases reported: 1,374, which is 770 percent higher than the 158 tallied on March 31, the day Gov. Henry McMaster ordered nonessential businesses to close.

Total cases in S.C.: 196,330, plus 12,900 probable cases

New deaths reported: 23

Total deaths in S.C.: 4,010 confirmed, 303 probable

Total tests in S.C.: 2,570,772

Hospitalized patients: 873