Local News

Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News

Columbia offers free protective masks

masks will be distributed while supplies last
ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia,SC (WOLO) — The City of Columbia is offering residents free masks to protect against COVID-19. The masks will be given out at various locations around the city as long as supplies last. Masks will be given to anyone deem to be high risk in accordance with CDC guidelines and those in vulnerable populations that live within Columbia city limits….

Carboard Fans Photo
Local News, News, State

Columbia packaging plant to make cardboard fans for stadiums

As athletes return to sports and play in their stadiums, a local packaging plant will help will the stadium with fans. 
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — As athletes return to sports and play in their stadiums, a local packaging plant will help will the stadium with fans. “Sports are a unifier, for a lot of people,” said Barry Nelson, Managing Director for Sales, Marketing and Innovation with DS Smith. As sports begin to return, the season will look different without fans in…

Dhec
ABC Columbia News Update (Second Row), Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News

DHEC reports second highest day total, 1,273 Coronavirus cases in SC

Crysty Vaughan,

COLUMBIA,  SC (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, on Friday, announced 1,273 new confirmed cases of coronavirus and 1 additional death. Health officials say there are currently 906 hospital beds occupied by patients who have either tested positive or are under investigation for COVID-19. (ABC Columbia) State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell DHEC says this brings the total number…

Covid Vaccine
Local News, News

Public health experts target early 2021 for when COVID-19 vaccines could be ready

Several companies are getting ready to test their vaccines on thousands of people
Tim Scott,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –With the number of COVID-19 cases rising across the country, several companies are fast-tracking vaccines to be ready as soon as next year. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, testified to Congress Tuesday saying some vaccines could get through testing and have millions of doses ready to be administered…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News, State

More than 2 dozen State Fair events canceled

Will SC State Fair follow suit or proceed with activities for 2020
ABC Columbia Staff,

(ABC News) — Summer is here, and the global coronavirus pandemic has changed, delayed or caused the cancelation of several events. Some organizations are even looking further ahead to make decisions about things scheduled in the fall of 2020. Like returning to school and state fairs annually held across the country. Earlier this week, the South Carolina State Fair announced…

BLM SC
Local News, News, State

Process underway for official Black Lives Matter chapter in SC

The 'I Can't Breathe' SC group that organized the first protests in downtown Columbia following the death of George Floyd, is now transitioning to an official chapter of Black Lives Matter.
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The ‘I Can’t Breathe’ SC group that organized the first protests in downtown Columbia following the death of George Floyd, is now transitioning to an official chapter of Black Lives Matter. “It’s 2020, and a movement starts with a hashtag,” said Lawrence Nathaniel, founder of both Black Lives Matter SC (BLM SC) and I Can’t Breathe SC….
Local News, News, Richland

Soda City Market to reopen with restrictions

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–A popular event in downtown Columbia on Saturday mornings is set to return this weekend. On its Facebook page, organizers announced the Soda City Market will re-open on Main St. this Saturday. Thursday the market posted a lengthy list of suggestions and changes they say will keep shoppers and vendors safe. SODA CITY RE-OPENING GUIDELINES FOR VENDORS  …