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Dear Friend,
I wanted to relay helpful information regarding the latest updates on COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus. I hope these resources will equip you to make thoughtful, informed decisions that promote the health and safety of your family, friends, and community and stop the spread of the coronavirus and disinformation.
As you may know, I was recently tested for coronavirus following a meeting with an individual who subsequently tested positive for the virus. I am very grateful to report that the test came back negative. I will continue to follow the best practices to stay healthy and look forward to working with my Senate colleagues in a bipartisan fashion and President Trump to contain this virus and stabilize our economy.
There have been 36 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Carolina to date and yesterday our state suffered our first death from this terrible virus. I encourage you to continue to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC DHEC). You can also refer questions to the SC DHEC Care Line by calling 1-855-472-3432 every day between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Finally, I want to thank our healthcare workers who are devoting countless hours to combating this virus. God bless them all for the risks they take and all the hard work they do to keep us safe and healthy. They are all heroes!
Sincerely,
Lindsey O. Graham
United States Senator
How can I protect myself and my family from coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The CDC and SC DHEC have valuable information on how you and your loved ones can best protect yourselves.
Steps you can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Who is at higher risk?
Some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
- Older adults
- People who have serious chronic medical conditions like:
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Lung disease
Can I get tested for COVID-19?
Testing for COVID-19 requires an evaluation by a healthcare provider because symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to flu and other common viruses. You will need to see a doctor, and DHEC will work with your doctor to determine if testing is needed. There is no testing that will identify the illness before someone experiences symptoms. You should not get tested if you are not ill.
What if I have symptoms?
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough or shortness of breath) and may have been exposed to someone with the illness, please call your health care provider to seek care. Contacting your health care provider ahead of time will make sure you get the care you need without putting others at risk. Additionally, several South Carolina health systems are offering telehealth options to the public.
Why can’t I visit South Carolina nursing homes or assisted living facilities? (as of March 13, 2020)
In order to take precautions for members of South Carolina’s vulnerable populations, SC DHEC is immediately restricting visitation to nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with the exception of end-of-life situations.
Why has a state of emergency been declared in South Carolina?
Governor McMaster declared state of emergency in South Carolina on March 13, 2020. A Public Health Emergency helps us draw attention to the importance of the recommendations we have always given about how to prevent spread of COVID-19. The message about the effectiveness of good hygiene, social distancing, and the importance of those who are ill to protect others by staying out of public places is the same.
Will I experience disruption in essential utilities?
After issuing his State of Emergency Order last Friday, Governor McMaster directed that there be no termination of utility service during the state of emergency.
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