Monday’s South Carolina COVID-19 numbers

South Carolina DHEC Monday announced 785 new confirmed cases of COVID-19, along with 10 additional deaths.  One of the ten was that of an elderly Pickens County resident.  Sixteen of the additional cases reported yesterday are in Oconee County.  The numbers bring to 170,048 the total of South Carolina cases since March.  The toll includes 3,697 dead South Carolinians.  The total number of test results received by DHEC statewide Sunday was 6,655 translating to a positivity of 11.8%.  According to DHEC, there was a 16% increase in October testing from September–an increase of 34,240 tests.  While DHEC considers this a positive step, more additional tests are needed.  If you are out and about in the community, around others, or unable to social distance or wear a mask, the state health agency recommends you get a test at least once a month.