CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control are waiting for final test results from the Centers for Disease Control on two people in the state who may have the novel coronavirus.
The two patients tested presumptive positive in tests for the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, which DHEC conducted. The next step, according to the agency, is follow-up tests that the CDC will conduct to confirm the infection. Officials said Friday afternoon the results could take between 24 and 48 hours to be confirmed.
DHEC announced Friday one of the cases is in Charleston County and the other is in Kershaw County and the cases are not linked.
The Charleston County patient is a team member at the Medical University of South Carolina who recently traveled to France and Italy. MUSC officials released a statement Friday afternoon stating their team member did not require hospitalization and is self-isolated at home.
“This individual self-identified to DHEC upon learning that community transmission had occurred in an area recently visited during a trip to Europe; she had not returned to work and still has not at this time,” MUSC officials said. “Our team member practiced excellent public health and social responsibility by pursuing testing, taking appropriate hygienic precautions and self-quarantining at home.”
According to MUSC officials, the patient had mild illness and has been asymptomatic for the past three days and is committed to remaining in self-q