Clarendon virus cases rising; officials stress prevention

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CLARENDON COUNTY - The number of COVID-19 cases in Clarendon County is beginning to creep higher since the number of cases in the county peaked in late July and early August.

During the last two weeks, Clarendon County has seen 74 new cases of COVID-19, which brought the county's total number of cases to 1,275 since the tracking of cases began in late March.

Officials throughout Clarendon County are continuing to encourage their residents to wear facial masks, maintain social distancing and wash their hands frequently.

The City of Manning is the only jurisdiction within Clarendon County that has mandated that individuals within its city limits wear facial masks or shields.

"We extended our ordinance through Jan. 13, 2021," said Manning City Administrator Scott Tanner. "People seem to be complying. We want to help prevent the spread."

Paxville Mayor Wade McLeod, Summerton Mayor Mac Bagnal and Turbeville Mayor Kathryn Turbeville have asked their residents to wear facial masks. They have not made the request mandatory.

"Our residents are observing the governor's guidelines pretty well," McLeod said. "We haven't required that everyone wear masks. We just consider it a good idea in helping lower the number of COVID cases."

Bagnal said the businesses and restaurants in Summerton are following the governor's guidelines.

"We're suggesting that everyone wear masks and keep social distancing," Bagnal said. "Our business and restaurants are doing a good job at following the governor's guidelines."

Turbeville said that while Turbeville isn't requiring folks to wear masks, the town suggests that it's a good idea.

"We're still suggesting that our folks wear masks," Turbeville added. "It seems that everyone is observing the request."

Although Clarendon County officials did not mandate that its residents wear masks, the officials do strongly suggest that its residents wear facial masks or shields, maintain social distancing and frequently wash their hands.

While government offices in both the county and its municipalities have opened doors to the public, there may be restrictions. Residents planning on paying bills or visiting governmental offices should call first to find out what restrictions apply.