As best the agency’s models can tell, the peak number of daily deaths was likely observed nearly two weeks ago on April 9, when 16 people in South Carolina died from COVID-19.
Peak “hospital resource use” was reported on April 10 when 270 hospital beds were being utilized across the state by coronavirus patients.
The agency anticipates a total of 261 people will die from the disease in the state by early August. To date, DHEC has reported 150 deaths.
The projections can change quickly. Only one week ago, DHEC’s models showed more than 600 South Carolinians would likely die from coronavirus this spring and summer, and that the disease would peak in late April and early May.
The new projections offer hope that social distancing measures observed by millions of people across the state have worked to keep the disease contained.
South Carolina’s health department predicts weekly coronavirus cases will continue to drop in late April and early May.
This suggests the virus’ spread may have turned a corner in S.C. or that the disease curve may be flattening. https://t.co/DqXEEBSclX
— The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) April 24, 2020