Man lies about his son exposing him to coronavirus, causes panic at work, SC cops say
A South Carolina man was arrested after causing panic at his work from lies he spread about being exposed to the coronavirus by his son, the Union County Sheriff’s Office said.
Robert William Cullum made up the story to avoid getting in trouble, Sheriff David Taylor said Saturday in a news release.
The 43-year-old Union resident went to work at the Gestamp manufacturing plant Thursday and told coworkers his son had tested positive for COVID-19, according to an incident report.
His claims were overheard by management at the metal automotive manufacturing plant, and Cullum was escorted off the property and advised to quarantine for 14 days, the sheriff’s office said.
Cullum’s story caused a panic among employees at Gestamp, according to the incident report.
Officials at the manufacturing plant called the sheriff’s office, saying employees were afraid to come to work because they were scared they had been exposed to the coronavirus, it said in the release.
The sheriff’s office said it launched an investigation and brought Cullum in for questioning Friday.
Cullum confessed to lying about being exposed to COVID-19, according to the release. He admitted to making up the story to avoid trouble for previously being out of work, and “losing points,” the sheriff office said.
Cullum, who was born in Germany, was taken to the Union County Detention Center where he was charged breach of peace, a misdemeanor, according to an arrest warrant.
His bail was set at $500, jail records show. Cullum was released on the personal recognizance bond and is scheduled to make a court appearance on May 8, according to Union County records.
Information about Cullum being disciplined, or fired, from Gestamp was not available.
This is the second Upstate man who lied to an employer about COVID-19.
Jeffery Long, 31, was charged with breach of peace and forgery after submitting a fake doctor’s note with a signature saying he had tested positive for the coronavirus to his bosses at Sitel Corp. in Spartanburg. Sitel shut down immediately to deep clean its facilities.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
After 46 new positive tests for the coronavirus were confirmed Saturday, South Carolina now has a total of 173 COVID-19 patients, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Nearly two-thirds of South Carolina’s 46 counties have reported a case.
There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Union County, according to DHEC.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
To reduce the spread of coronavirus, events of more than 50 people in a state, county, city, or other publicly-owned facility are prohibited, except for essential government functions, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
As of Sunday morning, 311,988 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 13,407 people have died, while 93,790 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 26,747 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 340 deaths have been reported, including 94 in Washington state, according to Johns Hopkins.
Three patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina have died. They were described as elderly with underlying medical conditions, state health officials said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 22, 2020 at 11:25 AM with the headline "Man lies about his son exposing him to coronavirus, causes panic at work, SC cops say."
