DHEC updating guidelines for its response to the pandemic

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– As COVID-19 cases drop across the state, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control is changing some of its guidelines for how it is responding to the pandemic.

The health agency has already shut down many of its drive-through COVID-19 testing locations, instructing people to get at-home tests instead. Masks are no longer recommended unless in an area of high virus transmission. Starting on March 15, coronavirus data reports will also focus on deaths and hospitalizations, rather than daily case counts.

“We announced last month that our goal is to bring cases down to a level that allows us to live our normal lives with very little interruption,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, DHEC Director. “The CDC’s announcement reflects that thinking by using severe COVID-19 cases to measure how the virus is impacting local communities. We agree with this methodology, especially as cases continue declining and rapid at-home tests become even more accessible.”

DHEC says it will continue to monitor any signs of a possible new variant of the coronavirus when that time comes.