DHEC now reporting probable COVID-19 cases.

South Carolina has begun reporting probable COVID-19 cases and deaths, becoming the 23rd state to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations to provide such information.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reports zero probable deaths as of June 14 in the state, with five probable cases: three in Richland County and one in Lexington and York counties.

The probable case numbers are available on a new DHEC website.

S.C. had 20,551 confirmed cases and 617 confirmed deaths as of Wednesday, when DHEC announced 577 new confirmed cases and 10 additional confirmed deaths.

Confirmed cases represent individuals who tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19 after a throat or nose swab. A probable case represents an individual who has not had a confirmatory viral test but who has epidemiologic and clinical evidence of infection, or such evidence in addition to a positive antibody blood test.

Confirmed deaths represent...