Further delay in South Carolina DHEC virus data

South Carolina DHEC is apologizing for another delay in disclosing the state’s COVID-19, for the latest period of Thursday through Sunday.  DHEC’s new statement reads:  “DHEC is currently experiencing a data processing issue worsened by the record number of tests and the format in which we are receiving the results.  The data reports since Thursday, January 20 are delayed, and DHEC will provide an update as soon as these issues are fixed and the accuracy of the data is confirmed.  This processing issue is a one-time occurrence and we do not anticipate it being a recurring problem once it is resolved.”  The state health agency blames what happened on provisional data known to have been incorrect that was accidentally placed on the DHEC GIS website briefly yesterday before being discovered and removed.  Meantime, DHEC stresses, the data problems are not impacting individuals getting their results or the prioritized case investigations through which it provides guidance to people in high-risk settings who have tested positive and their contacts.