DHEC, CDC investigate 2 presumptive positive cases of Coronavirus in SC

The CDC and DHEC are investigating two separate 'presumptive postive' cases of Covid -19 here in South Carolina.

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Governor Henry McMaster released information Friday night saying the state is monitoring two possible cases of the2019 Novel Coronavirus  here in South Carolina.

The Governor released a statement asking member of the public not to panic saying,

“Healthcare authorities in South Carolina have been preparing for this eventuality and there is no reason for public alarm. DHEC is working with the CDC on confirmation for these cases. South Carolinians should continue to follow recommendations and information provided by official sources.”

Here is one what we know so far about the possible cases.  According to officials with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), one of the cases is an elderly woman from Kershaw County who has been hospitalized and is currently in isolation. Health officials say the second individual is also a female, from Charleston County who D-HEC says recently traveled to France and Italy.

According to MUSC, the unidentified second woman currently in self isolation,  is an employee at the Medical University of South Carolina. Health officials at the hospital say the woman went to D-HEC officials after learning that she had been in an area of Europe where ‘community spread’ had been reported. Officials say she had not returned to work since her trip, and did not have to be hospitalized and is at home in self isolation.

State Epidemiologist, Dr. Linda Bell says it’s understandable that residents will have concerns about the virus and its potential impact on South Carolinians. Bell says,

“While the risk to the public remains low, there is no evidence of ongoing transmission in the community at this time and our primary goals remain prevention and control.”

The CDC has posted information for those who have recently traveled and have questions about what symptoms you should be on the lookout for to before seeking medial attention.

If you have traveled and feel sick with fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, call your doctor and avoid contact with others. For more #COVID19 frequently asked travel questions visit: https://t.co/oWKzAemLLE. pic.twitter.com/fqzBDRadxr

— CDC (@CDCgov) March 5, 2020

Governor McMaster plans to address the latest news during a news briefing tomorrow, (Saturday March 6th, 2020)  along with state public health officials at 10 in the morning at the South Carolina Emergency Operations Center in West Columbia, S.C.

Stay with ABC Columbia News for updates on air and online.