On Friday afternoon, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) case counts reflect two (2) new confirmed cases in Newberry Country with COVID 19, bringing the total confirmed cases to thirteen (13) cases including all cases throughout this event. At the time of this release six (6) cases are within Newberry postal zone, one (1) with Pomaria postal zone, three (3) within Prosperity postal zone, one (1) within Whitmire postal zone, one (1) within Kinards postal zone, and one (1) listed as “unknown” for the postal zone. Of these cases one (1) was more than fourteen day ago and there has been one (1) death reported. Please be aware these numbers are only the tested, confirmed cases and numbers of people within Newberry County with the COVID 19 disease are likely to be higher.

Not only is the Midlands including Newberry County under an Increased Fire Danger advisement today due to increasing winds combined with relative humidity values dropping and low fuel moisture providing an elevated risk of fire danger over the region, the burning ban also remains in effect for the state of South Carolina set in place by the South Carolina Forestry Commission after discussions with DHEC. This order is in place until further notice for the well-being of the public’s health threat from COVID 19 since smoke can exacerbate the symptoms of the patients or set off respiratory issues in other individuals.

This ban became effective Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 am for outdoor burning outside of city/town limits in South Carolina, including: yard debris burns; forestry, wildlife, agricultural burns, and other types of controlled burns; campfires and other types of recreational open burning.

We encourage everyone to continue to take care of your health and protect your family and other loved ones by staying at home and minimizing contact with people outside your households to prevent the spread of the disease. Remember to regularly wash your hands, avoid touching frequently touched items and travel only when and where absolutely necessary. If you do have to go out in public to work or perform essential business, you are encouraged to wear a mask of any type to help reduce the spread of the virus.

If you or anyone in your family have any concerns about your health, please reach out to
your healthcare provider or use the telehealth services provided by several health care
systems. Please see DHEC website at scdhec.gov for more information.

Newberry County Emergency Management Director Tommy Long along with Newberry
County Sheriff Lee Foster are continuing to monitor the coronavirus situation in
Newberry County as well as the rest of South Carolina. They will continue to update as warranted.