Attached is the weekly COVID-19 data as provided by SC DHEC for last weeks testing. Last weeks data by itself paints a grim picture with over 15% of test being positive for COVID and more than 200 deaths a week. That said, the encouraging part of last weeks data is in the trend. The 3 most important numbers - positive test %, hospitalizations, and deaths all declined for the 3rd straight week. Last week Dr. Bell highlighted those communities with mask ordinances as having shown significant declines in the last 4 weeks while those without have shown a net increase in cases. So, those of you who are wearing masks, please continue to do so. The results speak for themselves but we still have a long way to go to get below 5% positive and to bring the death rate down to where it was in May.
In other encouraging news this week there has been additional research showing longer lasting immunity than previously thought may be possible for even those with the mildest cases of COVID19. This has been something hinted at for a few weeks, but the latest research looks even more reaffirming. While this is great news for those of you who have been infected, it is a great sign that if/when a vaccine is developed it may be even more effective than previously thought.
Bottom line, there is a lot looking up even though things are far from being in a great place. Though improving, these numbers simply aren't dropping as fast as they could. Wear your masks, avoid large gatherings, and encourage others to do the same. Help these players who are doing everything they can to have a season. They can't do it by themselves. I want to see them play football.
In other encouraging news this week there has been additional research showing longer lasting immunity than previously thought may be possible for even those with the mildest cases of COVID19. This has been something hinted at for a few weeks, but the latest research looks even more reaffirming. While this is great news for those of you who have been infected, it is a great sign that if/when a vaccine is developed it may be even more effective than previously thought.
Bottom line, there is a lot looking up even though things are far from being in a great place. Though improving, these numbers simply aren't dropping as fast as they could. Wear your masks, avoid large gatherings, and encourage others to do the same. Help these players who are doing everything they can to have a season. They can't do it by themselves. I want to see them play football.
