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Digital Exclusives and Features, Health, National News

Pope Francis invites world to join unison prayer during outbreak

The Pope is asking for people to join in a united prayer around the world over COVID-19 starting at 7AM Wednesday
ABC Columbia Staff,

Pope Francis Dublin, Ireland, Aug. 25, 2018. Clodagh Kilcoyne/Reuters Rome (WOLO) — As the numbers of coronavirus (COVID-19) patients continues to grow around the world and here in South Carolina Pope Francis is extending an invitation to anyone of faith around the world to join him in prayer. Starting Wednesday morning March 25th, 2020 at 7AM, people around the world…
Health, Local News, Politics, State

Former SC Governor David Beasley tests positive for COVID-19

Former SC Governor David Beasley releases a statement to the public announcing he has tested positive for coronavirus
ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: David Beasley @Twitter Columbia, SC (WOLO) — – Now Executive Director for the World Food Program, Former South Carolina Governor David Beasley has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19). Beasley posted a message to the public via twitter making the announcement Thursday evening. In the post, Beasley says he began feeling ‘unwell’ last weekend, after returning home from a trip…

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Digital Exclusives and Features, Health, Local News

COMET bus suspends some routes, adds additional cleansing

The transportation service COMET is putting more safe guards in place to reduce public risk of coronavirus exposure
ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia , SC (WOLO) — The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET)  released a list of precautionary measures help reduce the risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) last week Monday, March 17th The transportation company announced that ‘Out of concern for the safety of the riding and general public”, they would be putting even more measures in place to keep…
Health, Lexington, Local News, News, State

Lexington Two to continue lessons through eLearning Program after school closure announcement

Alexis Frazier,

WEST COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)-Lexington Two will continue lessons with eLEARNING program after Gov. McMaster announced the closure of all public schools. The program allows students to continue lessons remotely. This program was previously used in the district for a weather makeup day last fall. Families will receive more specifics shortly through their schools. Lexington Two also will provide meals to…

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Health, Local News, News, State

Horry County has first case of COVID-19

by Nicholas Papantonis and Alexx Altman-Devilbiss
ABC Team,

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Horry County has its first positive test for coronavirus, officials confirmed Sunday morning. Staff at Grand Strand Medical Center said the result came in Saturday night. The patient is in isolation at the medical center, according to a spokesperson. Grand Strand Medical Center provided a statement on Sunday morning confirming a patient in the facility tested…
Health, National News, State

Amtrak increases cleanings, cancels some trips

The transportation company Amtrak is putting new cleaning protocols in place amid the Coronavirus
ABC Columbia Staff,

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…
Health, Local News

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
ABC Columbia Staff,

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,…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Health, Lexington, Richland

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.
ABC Columbia Staff,

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…
Health, Local News, Richland, State

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
ABC Columbia Staff,

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,…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Health, Politics, Richland

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
ABC Columbia Staff,

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…