REMINDER: DHEC will not be releasing data Friday, Dec. 24 – Tuesday, Dec. 28 in observance of the Christmas holiday. On Wednesday, Dec. 29, DHEC will be reporting out data from Wednesday, Dec. 22 – Monday, Dec. 27.

Many testing and vaccine sites around the state will be closed in observance of the holiday, including all DHEC health departments. In addition to being closed Christmas Day and Christmas Eve, many sites will be closed the days before and after the holiday. Please check the DHEC testing locations webpage or call testing and vaccine providers to check their schedule.

DHEC call centers will be closed, meaning residents cannot call in to receive testing results, ask COVID-related questions, etc.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As the holiday season brings the promise of new toys to many children all over South Carolina, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) reminds parents that being mindful of toy safety is always in season.

According to the 2020 Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Report, an estimated 198,000 people were treated for toy-related injuries in emergency departments across the United States last year. Of those, 73 percent occurred in children 12 years old or younger and 40 percent occurred in children younger than 5.

“This holiday season, supply issues may mean stores have fewer toy options to select from or fewer toys that you’re familiar with,” said Kevin Poore, Director of Safe Kids South Carolina, a statewide coalition led by DHEC. “It’s important now more than ever to ensure the toy purchases you make for children are safe.” 

To help parents reduce toy-related injuries, DHEC offers these key tips: 

For more tips to protect your children, visit DHEC’s Prevent Injuries webpage.

Additional resources: •    Safe Kids National Toy Safety Tip Sheet •    Safe Kids South Carolina •    Downloadable DHEC PSA: Christmas Toy Safety Tips (MP4) •    Downloadable DHEC PSA: Christmas Toy Safety Tips without music (MP4)