Author: ABC Columbia Staff

Churches put precautionary measures in place for Sunday services

Churches in the Midlands are putting precautionary measures in place to protect worshipers against risk exposure

Columbia, SC (WOLO ) — As the numbers of those effected by the coronavirus continues to climb, some are questioning possible exposure to the virus while in worshiping this Sunday. Fort Jackson says they will no longer allow hold all community chapel services or events until further services because of coronavirus concerns. This decision includes all regularly scheduled worship services…

Governor McMaster holds ‘State of Emergency’ briefing

The State of South Carolina is officially under a State of Emergency. See the full briefing held Friday evening

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Just before 5:30PM Friday,  South Carolina (R) Governor Henry McMaster officially declared a State of Emergency in the state. There are a few things that this now means for the Palmetto state, including giving the Governor the ability to put certain restrictions and mandates in place during the coronavirus outbreak. Under the State of Emergency,  schools…

Richland, Lexington courts put temporary restrictions, cancellations in place to avoid coronavirus exposure

Richland County and Lexington County put temporary changes into effect as cases of COVID-19 continue to climb

Richland County Administrator Leonardo Brown announced Thursday that a decision has been made to temporarily restrict access to the Judicial Center due to possible concerns of indirect exposure to the coronavirus. All jury trials at the courthouse are now postponed. Brown says it’s a temporary restriction as crews come in to the clean the building. Right now only essential personnel…

Fort Jackson adds additional modifications to keep soldiers coronavirus free

As the number of coronavirus cases grow around the world, and here in SC, Fort Jackson military post has no cases and introduces changes to keep it that way

Image: Fort Jackson Commanding General @Twitter Columbia, SC (WOLO) –Fort Jackson announced Thursday that Family Day and Graduations are cancelled for the foreseeable future. Fort Jackson’s Commanding General says the cancellations includes next week’s events for 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry Regiment on March 19th. The ceremony will still be held, but it will be live streamed on the Fort Jackson…

Shamrock Parade in downtown Lexington postponed

LEXINGTON, SC (WOLO) – The Shamrock Parade scheduled for Saturday in downtown Lexington has been postponed. The Lexington County Blowfish made the announcement Thursday saying, “it is in the best interest of our community to not hold such a large gathering at this time.” Breaking News: 5th Annual Shamrock Parade Postponed. Read more here: https://t.co/x8ffqk0Ce4 pic.twitter.com/ecHNUwaGzG — Blowfish Baseball (@GoBlowfish)…

SCDC suspends inmate visitations statewide in response to coronavirus spread

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – The South Carolina Department of Corrections has taken precautionary measures to fight the spread of coronavirus. SCDC announced Thursday a number of limitations including suspending visitations for 30 days. In an email release SCDC said it understands the value of family visits and volunteer programs, but measures must be put in place to ensure everyone’s health…

Senator Lindsey Graham under self quarantine after Mar-a-lago visit

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham says he will work from home until getting coronavirus test back following Mar-a-Lago visit

ABC Columbia interview Nov. 8 Columbia, SC (WOLO) — South Carolina  Senator Lindsey Graham has agreed to place himself under quarantine after a visit to Mar-a-Lago in Florida last weekend. The Senator’s office sent out a brief statement Thursday saying, “Senator Graham was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend.  He has no recollection of direct contact with the President of Brazil, (Jair…

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…