Chesterfield County sees 308% jump in COVID-19 cases within a month

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, S.C. — As South Carolina reopens and testing increases, there is an expected upward trend in COVID-19 cases.

Chesterfield County saw a 308% jump in one month -- an increase that doctors say can’t be explained just by more testing.

Dr. Steve Smith is the Chief Medical Officer for Caresouth.

"I think there's more going on than just an increase in testing. I never expected it myself to last this long,” Smith said.

Experts look at the overall rate of infection. Chesterfield County’s rate is 4.2 cases per 1,000 people, which is higher than any other county in the state.

There are 60 active cases in Cheraw alone.

Some said reopening has given people a sense that we've passed the peak.

But some said the peak, may be shifting as warmer weather hasn’t appeared to slow new cases. Officials are still urging people to wear masks and social distance.

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There are more than 100 free drive up testing sites across the state, adding to the number of positive cases, but so far not decreasing them.

Some will say that things opened too quickly in South Carolina, but doctors can’t really say that’s what’s behind this increase.

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COVID-19 testing expands in rural South Carolina communities COVID-19 testing expands in rural South Carolina communities

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