County sees two additional deaths, 72 new cases

For the second week in a row, Columbus County Schools reported four children quarantined with the COVID-19 virus. (Courtesy Columbus County Board of Education)
For the second week in a row, Columbus County Schools reported four children quarantined with the COVID-19 virus. (Courtesy Columbus County Board of Education)

Two more people have died from COVID-19 in Columbus county, bringing the total to 76 since March.

Both of the latest fatalities were patients who were hospitalized. One died Dec. 10, and the second Dec. 11. Daniel Buck of the Columbus County Health Department said in an email that the county has a total case count of 3,099, including 72 new cases since Thursday. Prison facilities and longterm care homes provided 15 of those cases, Buck said. Currently, 16 people are hospitalized with the virus. 

The county schools on Friday reported that four students are currently quarantined after positive COVID tests. None of the students were exposed at school. One of the children attends Acme-Delco Elementary, two Tabor City Elementary, and one Williams Township.

Due to the continued spread of the Coronavirus, the Columbus County Health Department will be offering drive-thru COVID-19 rapid testing this Friday, Dec. 18, from 10 AM – 3 PM. Testing is free. For appointments, call 910-640-6615 extension 7006 or 7007. 

About Jefferson Weaver 2612 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at jeffersonweaver@ColumbusCountyNews.com.