Author: ABC Columbia Staff

Amtrak increases cleanings, cancels some trips

The transportation company Amtrak is putting new cleaning protocols in place amid the Coronavirus

Alex Wong/Getty Images Columbia,SC (WOLO)— Amtrak says they are closely watching the Coronavirus, and while doing so have new protocols in place. Some of the actions include enhanced cleaning protocols, specifically increasing the amount of times trains are cleaned. The transportation company says they are also making more sanitizer and disinfectant for customers and staff. Through April 30th, 2020 they…

SC Universities urge students to suspend travel, return to US from abroad

Several South Carolina universities are keeping a close eye on the spread of coronavirus and asking students to make adjustments

UofSC/Twitter Columbia, SC (WOLO) — USC is keeping a close eye on students who are studying abroad this semester– all students in Italy  and Italy South Korea – have been advised to return to the U.S. and self quarantine for 14 days. University officials say they have 201 students in Italy, 2 in South  Korea and 8 in Japan. Meanwhile,…

Prisma Health offers free ‘Virtual Visits’ for coronavirus concerns

ABC Columbia image- video Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Prisma Health’s new ‘Virtual Visits’ website launched earlier this month. The 24-7 service will give anyone who has concerns of possibly having the coronavirus or perhaps just has questions about symptoms they may be displaying, will now have a chance to speak to someone in the medical field without having to leave…

St. Pat’s in Five Points postponed over coronavirus concerns

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – The St. Pat’s in Five Points festival has been postponed because of concerns over the coronavirus. Wednesday, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin made the announcement that in the wake of the spread of the disease, that the festival cannot move forward as planned. Benjamin said despite the tradition and importance of the festival to both commerce and…

COMET bus system implements changes to ward off coronavirus

With the number of people becoming infected with the coronavirus growing , one bus company ismake adjustments to reduce the risk.

Image: The COMET /ABC FILE Columbia, SC (WOLO)- The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) is taking precautionary  measures to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from affecting our passengers. Below is a list of the changes the transit system has put into effect immediately: Hand sanitizers are installed on all 83 vehicles. Signs are inside all restrooms encouraging people…

Fort Jackson announces round of changes to reduce risk of coronavirus spread

Changes are coming to the Fort Jackson military installation in response to the increased spread of the coronavirus

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — The coronavirus has lead to a procedural change at Fort Jackson. Brigadier General Milford Beagle released a statement via the base’s twitter feed that ‘Family Day’ will be cancelled ahead of this week’s Basic Training graduation. In addition to the cancellation of the annual event,  Fort Jackson officials say graduation ceremonies will only be held outside,…

Reward offered after dog found for severely burned

A black staffie mix dog is found suffering from severe burns. A reward is now being offered as officials attempt to track down more information

Image: Charleston Animal Shelter Charleston, SC (WOLO)— The Charleston Animal Society says they are giving medical attention to a dog found severely burned in North Charleston Sunday. Members of the Animal Society say they do not know the identity of the black staffie-mix, but have given him the nickname “Harvey” because he was found on Harvey Avenue near I-26 and…

Columbia to consider suspending council meetings over coronavirus

As Covid-19 continues to spread, Columbia City Council members plan to propose plans that suspend meetings

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — With growing concerns over the Coronavirus, and with health officials urging people to limit intimate contact to reduce the risk of spreading the disease, City leaders are considering suspending the normal operating procedures of their City Council meetings. Tuesday March 10th, at 2pm during their work session, Council members will discuss the move that would keep…

Columbia Housing takes precautions to prevent coronavirus spread

Image: Columbia Housing Logo/ ColumbiaHousing.org Columbia, SC ( WOLO)—Columbia Housing is taking actions to address concerns over the  coronavirus. Ivory Mathews, the Interim Executive Director for Columbia Housing says even though the risk of being exposed to the disease is low for residents and staff, they are going to take some precautionary measures to stop the spread of all respiratory…

Presumptive case of coronavirus treated at Lexington Medical

Lexington, SC (WOLO) — ABC Columbia news has confirmed that a patient with a presumptive case of coronavirus was treated at the Lexington Medical center Emergency Department over the weekend. A spokesperson for Lexington Medical Center says the patient is currently at home and quarantined in accordance with DHEC protocol. Hospital spokesperson Jennifer Wilson also says the hospital has set…