Local News

Local News, News, Richland

Ft. Jackson increasing security due to COVID-19

Rob Dew,

file Ft. Jackson, S.C. (WOLO)–  There are new policies in place at all Fort Jackson gates. A spokesperson for the base says leadership says the new measures are to “safeguard the health and safety of soldiers, families, civilian employees and the local community while preserving the ability to produce the Army’s newest soldiers.” Starting Thursday, security guards will conduct a…
Lexington, Local News, News

Judicial order releases prisoners due to coronavirus

Rob Dew,

(AP/file) Lexington, S.C. (WOLO)–  Lexington Co. deputies say a memorandum from the state supreme court lead to the release of seven inmates from the Lexington Co. Detention Center. Sheriff Jay Koon says more detainees will be released based on the order. The sheriff says it is important for the community to know that each release will be on the basis…

W6 P Red Cross Shortage
Local News, News, State

Red Cross urges healthy donors to give blood as coronavirus cancels blood drives

The American Red Cross says there's a critical need for blood donations, as drives are canceled because of coronavirus.
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The American Red Cross says there’s a critical need for blood donations, as drives are canceled because of coronavirus. “We are in an extreme situation. We’ve had 70 cancellations, which represents over 2,000 units of blood that we’re not collecting,” said Rebecca Jordan, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Central South Carolina. “So that is a…

Senator Tim Scott Worries A Relief Bill Could Have "disastrous Effects" On Sc
Local News, National News, News, Politics, State

Senator Tim Scott worries a relief bill could have “disastrous effects” on SC

ABC Columbia Staff,

(WOLO) – US Senator Tim Scott is sharing his thoughts on the potential relief bill. He says that though the COVID-19 package is will-intended, it could have “disastrous effects on South Carolina’s small businesses and their employees.” Senator Scott says he has been involved in talks with other congress members about another measure that will bring families, workers, healthcare professionals…

20200313 005448
Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News, State

City of Columbia curfew is now in effect for 61 days

Tuesday City of Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin implemented an ordinance putting a citywide curfew in place
ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: Rochelle Dean Columbia,SC (WOLO)—  The City of Columbia is officially under a curfew. Less than a week after declaring a State of Emergency, Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin has implemented a citywide curfew that began   tonight, Wednesday March 18th, 2020 at 11PM and will run through 6AM everyday for the next 3 months. Just a few hours before the ordinance…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News

COMET to roll forward with reduced routes amid coronavirus

COMET bus serice is reducing its services to a Saturday schedule beginning Thursday until April
ABC Columbia Staff,

Image: The COMET /ABC FILE Columbia, SC (WOLO) — There are endless circumstances that have changed, and continue to do so, as the coronavirus global pandemic forces people around the world, and here in the Midlands adjust to a new normal. One of those changes involve how you get from place to place on a daily basis. Beginning Thursday March…

Homeless Help
Local News, News

“Why would we not help them?”: Local groups provide support for homeless in wake of COVID-19

DHEC will provide vouchers to homeless people who are needing to be quarantined or are exhibiting symptoms
Tim Scott,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –One group of people who might be at risk of not getting swift treatment for the coronavirus are the homeless. However, some groups in the Midlands are doing their part to make sure they are safe and get the treatment they need. The staff at both Oliver Gospel Mission and Transitions Homeless Center in Columbia are exercising…