The covid-19 surge is pushing South Carolina’s pediatric ICUs to capacity, health officials warn.

This has been increased by:

• A drop in childhood vaccinations due to the pandemic.

• Other viral diseases as people stopped social distancing and mask wearing.

“Lexington Medical Center does not have an inpatient pediatric unit but our pediatricians and family practice providers treat children in their offices as do our Urgent

Care centers,” spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson told the Lexington County Chronicle.

“Typically, the summer is a slow time for children’s visits. However this summer our clinicians have been busy seeing children with illnesses such as bronchitis, RSV, croup, hand foot and mouth, and unfortunately covid-19.”

To protect yourself and your family, state health officials urge you to social distance and wear masks in public places until the surge subsides.