The SC Department of Health and Environmental Control has reported the state’s first death related to COVID-19 novel coronovirus.

“We regret to report that South Carolina has suffered its first death in an elderly person recently reported to have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who was a resident of Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Physician Consultant. “Our state health officials continue to work with national and local partners to respond to this ongoing public health matter.”

DHEC is working with the facility to identify all contacts and is providing guidance about infection control measures to prevent spread. 

Saturday, Lexington Medical Center reported that a male from the care facility in Lexington was taken, Friday, to LMC in West Columbia to be treated for COVID-19. The Lexington Medical Center Extended Care Skilled Nursing Facility is on Old Cherokee Road.