<strong>By Mike McCombs</strong>

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) on Friday reported five more deaths as a result of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in the state to 31.

DHEC reported 261 additional cases, bringing the statewide total cases to 1,554 in all 46 counties. Twenty-nine new cases bring Beaufort County’s total to 130.

“There are now documented cases of COVID-19 in every county across our state,” DHEC physician Dr. Brannon Traxler said. “The level in which it continues to spread will hinge on all of our actions. Please do your part and stay home and limit your close contact with others.”

The deaths occurred in elderly individuals who all had underlying health conditions. Two were residents of Florence County, one of Anderson County, one Horry County, and one of Sumter County.

*As new information is provided to DHEC, some changes in cases may occur. Cases are reported based on the individual’s county of residence, as it is provided to the DHEC.