In the News
The following information is available from the Centers from Disease Control and Prevention
How COVID-19 Spreads
Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. COVID-19 is a new disease and there is more to learn about how it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and to what extent it may spread in the United States.
Person-to-person spread
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Prevention
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
Symptoms
According to the CDC, the following symptoms may appear 2 to 14 days after exposure:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you
Develop symptoms
AND
Have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or live in or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
What to Do If You Are Sick With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever1 and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact2 with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread. Tell your healthcare professional about your recent travel or contact. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Governor McMaster's Press Releases
Gov. Henry McMaster to Lift ‘Last Call’ Order, Large Gatherings Approval Process
Gov. Henry McMaster Announces Minority, Small Business and Nonprofit Relief Grant Application Start
Gov. Henry McMaster Takes Additional Action to Slow Virus Spread
Gov. Henry McMaster Creates Safe Access to Flexible Education (SAFE) Grants
Statement from Gov. Henry McMaster on June Employment Situation
Gov. Henry McMaster Prohibits Alcohol Sales at Bars and Restaurants After 11 PM
Gov. Henry McMaster Releases Proposal for CARES Act Funds
Gov. Henry McMaster Lifts Restrictions on Attractions Effective Friday, May 22
Gov. Henry McMaster Signs Continuing Resolution, Issues Signing Statement Urging Swift Action
Gov. Henry McMaster: Restaurants Are Able to Open for Limited Dine-in Services Monday, May 11
Gov. Henry McMaster Declares New State of Emergency to Continue State’s Response to COVID-19
Gov. Henry McMaster Creates accelerateSC, a Coordinated Economic Revitalization Plan
Gov. Henry McMaster Orders that Furloughed Employees Qualify for Unemployment Benefits
Governor McMaster Issues “Home or Work” Order
CDC Coronavirus Resources
Caring for Someone Sick at Home
COVID-19 in Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups
Answering 20 Questions about COVID-19
Coronavirus and SC Schools
All SC Public K-12 Schools Closed Through the End of 2019-2020 School Year
SC Public Schools Closed Through End of April
SC Public Schools Closed Through March 31
U.S. Department of Education Approves South Carolina Assessment Suspension Waiver
Federal Trade Commission
Coronavirus Advice for Consumers
Keep Calm and Avoid Coronavirus Scams Fact Sheet
FEMA Coronavirus Resources
Food Resources
Covid-19 Midlands Food Resources
Covid-19 Recursos de Comida en los Midlands
Housing Resources
SCACED/SC Appleseed Community Housing Forum
IRS
Economic Impact Payment for Non-Filers
Small Business Coronavirus Resources
Small Business Administration-SC Resource Guide (Grow Your Business in South Carolina)
SC Department of Commerce Resource Center
South Carolina Department of Health & Environmental Control Resources
Retail Food Service Establishments
South Carolina Department of Employment & Workforce Resources
Notice of Funding Opportunity/Access Point Expansion Grant-SC State Workforce Development Board
SC DEW COVID-19 Information Hub
South Carolina Department of Social Services
COVID-19 FAQs (SNAP Benefits, Abuse/Neglect Reporting, Foster Care, Child Support)