Two more COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in Columbus County since Thursday, bringing the total death toll to 66 since March.
Monday’s release from the county Health Department said the county’s case total has jumped to 1,993, up from 1,858 last week.
The two latest fatalities were patients in area hospitals. One died Nov. 5, and the second Nov. 6.
Daniel buck of the Health Department said that of the 135 new cases reported by the county this week, 95 occurred in the two state prisons here. State reporting requirements add local prison cases to county totals.
Buck said in a press release that eleven additional cases of COVID-19 on Nov. 5, 52 new cases on Nov. 6, four new cases on Nov. 7, 63 cases on Nov. 8, and five new cases on November 9.
The state also released guidelines Monday on how to keep Thanksgiving safe in the midst of the pandemic, and the proposals are drawing fire on social media.
State Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen said travel and large gatherings are discouraged, and people should aovid anyone that doesn’t live in their immediate household, unless they are wearing a face covering.
If you do plan to travel, Cohen said, state officials urge getting a COVID-19 test three to four days before the departure date.
People who have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been around a person with COVID-19, should not host or participate in any in-person gatherings until they complete their isolation or quarantine period, Cohen said.
“During Black Friday shopping,” she wrote in the announcement, “it is strongly recommended individuals do not participate in any traditional Black Friday shopping where customers gather in large groups waiting for the store to open or are in crowded stores for extended times.
“Any large gathering of people poses an increased risk for spreading COVID-19. People at high risk for COVID-19 complications should limit in-person shopping. And people who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19, have COVID-19 like symptoms or who have been exposed to COVID-19, should not shop in person until their isolation or quarantine period is over.”
Stores should also strictly limit capacity to 50 percent of normal, Cohen said.
“I know Thanksgiving is all about being with family,” Cohen said. “We need our families. We also want them to stay healthy.”
