Tests, tests, and more tests

Governor McMaster and DHEC officials unveiled a new strategy yesterday to test as much as two percent of the South Carolina population in May and June to give an indicator of the extent to which COVID-19 has spread statewide.  That equates to about 110,000 South Carolinians. One of the spots of emphasis will be the state’s 194 nursing home facilities.  COVID-19 outbreaks at the long-term care facilities are an indicator of ongoing transmission of virus within a community and require an intense focus on infection prevention practices.  “Asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19 from staff to residents and between residents is a concern in nursing homes,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, DHEC Director of Public Health.