How to lower SC’s COVID-19 numbers

Wendell James, MD

Anesthesiology

We are in the midst of an active global pandemic in South Carolina that is out of control, with COVID-19 infection rates still headed in the wrong direction. But despite the efforts of our frontline healthcare workers, by the time you read this, the numbers will be even higher.

“Unless the community takes immediate steps to stop the spread, our COVID-19 surge statewide will continue to grow exponentially in the coming days,” said Chief Clinical Officer C. Wendell James III, MD, of Prisma Health–Upstate, who also leads its COVID-19 response. “Each of us has a shared responsibility to do our part to lower the spread of this disease. Together, we must take responsibility for one another.”

Dr. James continued, “We’re all in this together. Make no mistake – this is totally in the control of you and our community. As a healthcare organization, we are doing our part; we are relying on you to do your part. Keep social distancing, wash your hands and wear masks to help you, your family and your community safe during the pandemic.”

The most effective ways to keep safe from the virus are simple and straightforward:

• Maintain a distance of at least six feet between you and others.
• Wear a mask if you are anywhere near someone else.
• Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow.
• Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• Stay home if you are sick and call your doctor for next steps.

Additional precautions are especially important for those vulnerable populations at higher risk, which include those:

• Over age 65
• With diabetes
• With high blood pressure
• With heart and lung conditions
• With compromised immune systems

These individuals should continue to stay at home and avoid close contact with others – especially those who are sick.

Finally, get your flu shot as soon as you can this fall. Although a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, flu vaccines will be as soon as September.

“If you don’t want to wear a mask and take other simple steps to protect yourself, please protect the rest of us,” said Dr. James. “That includes the nurses and doctors who take care of you – maybe after a COVID-19 infection, maybe after a bad traffic accident – but also the grocery store employees, restaurant workers, teachers, police and firefighters who help keep our communities functioning. We’re relying on you to help us keep you – and all of us – safer.”