<h2><b>Statewide case total reaches 125</b></h2>
<b>&nbsp;</b><b>By MIKE McCOMBS</b>

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The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced Friday afternoon there are 45 additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus in the state – including one in Beaufort County – bringing the total number to 125 cases statewide and eight in Beaufort County.

Among the Beaufort County cases, a U.S. Marine assigned to a command stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort tested positive for COVID-19 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital on March 17 after returning from leave in California, according the MCAS Beaufort spokesperson 1<sup>st</sup> Lt. Kevin Buss.

According to Buss, the Marine is in isolation at their residence and will receive follow-on medical assessment.&nbsp;

In an email, Buss said, “MCAS Beaufort leadership and local Public Health Emergency Officials are taking the necessary precautions to prevent a potential outbreak.

“MCAS Beaufort is committed to protecting the health of our communities. We will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with U.S. health agencies and to preserve the wellness of our service members and families.”

According to Buss, no additional precautions were required due to this case. The Marine did not come aboard MCAS Beaufort between returning from leave and being placed into isolation.

Buss said, however, there is another Marine awaiting test results, and he/she is currently quarantined off base.