COLUMBIA, S.C. — The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has released a list of South Carolina nursing homes and similar facilities with cases of COVID-19, along with the number of positive cases for either residents or staff members.
Of the 46 facilities included on the list, 15 are in the Midlands. Of those, Midland Health and Rehabilitation Center in Columbia has the most COVID-19 patients with 29 confirmed cases in patients and/or staff. Encompass Health & Rehab in Columbia has 18 confirmed cases in patients and/or staff. The remainder of the facilities in the Midlands have less than 10 confirmed cases.
You can see the full list below.
DHEC says the spread of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 is common in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and similar congregate facilities due to shared living and dining areas as well as limitations for social distancing.
Officials with DHEC say the agency has worked and continues to work closely with these health care facilities to provide guidance and help implement recommendations for protecting residents and the workers who care for them.
“This virus is taking its toll on those most vulnerable to it, including our friends and family who reside in nursing homes and assisted care facilities,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, DHEC Public Health Director. “Around the country, nursing homes and similar facilities have been challenged to implement unprecedented safety precautions while also providing important care to their residents.”
On March 13, Gov. Henry McMaster issued an Executive Order that stopped public visitation to these types of facilities in order to help protect the vulnerable population of residents, the staff who care for them, and outside visitors. This order is still in effect today.
DHEC says it plans to provide the number of COVID-19 related deaths associated with these facilities early next week.
