DHEC exceeds goal of testing 2% of population for COVID-19

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The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has exceeded its goal of testing 2% of the state’s population, or 110,000 people, for COVID-19 by May 31.

DHEC announced Tuesday that 110,316 tests have been performed in South Carolina since May 1.

“We want South Carolinians to know that DHEC is doing everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19, and a key component of that is increasing our testing capacity,” Rick Toomey, DHEC director, said in a news release. “DHEC continues to work with federally qualified health centers, hospitals, and other community partners to expand COVID-19 testing across the state as part of our statewide testing strategy. Together, we can increase the availability of testing and help everyone continue to take the steps needed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.”

DHEC and community partners are continuing to set up mobile testing clinics throughout the state, with 74 free clinics scheduled through July 2. There are also 145 permanent testing locations at health care facilities throughout the state.

A total of 178,119 tests have been conducted in the state by both DHEC’s public health laboratory and private labs since March 5, the agency said.

DHEC announced 253 new cases of COVID-19 and six additional deaths on Tuesday, bringing South Carolina’s reported totals to 10,416 cases and 446 deaths. Richland County had 21 new cases, while Lexington County had 14.