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Comet
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…
Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News

UofSC students have to gather dorm belongings Tuesday

UofSC updates information for students who need to vacate campus housing for the next two weeks
ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — University of South Carolina students have to grab anything they need from their dorm rooms before the university closes for the next 2 weeks. Monday the University released this  COVID-19 update to students on social media this evening saying, Updates have been made to our site further detailing #UofSC’s plans around the effects of #COVID19 in…
Local News, Politics, Richland

City of Columbia declares ‘State of Emergency’

the City of Columbia declares a 'State of Emergency' as case of coronavirus continue to rise, and a death is now reported
ABC Columbia Staff,

Columbia, SC (WOLO) — Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin is encouraging social distancing as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Mayor specifically focusing on restaurants and bars within city limits as cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise throughout the state. Mayor Benjamin issued the new ordinance Monday night. The declaration says businesses should reduce occupancy…

Kershaw School Food
Kershaw, Local News, State

Kershaw Co. School district begins ‘Grab and Go’ program

Governor Henry McMaster shut down Kershaw County Schools last week. Monday parents were able to get students meals curbside
Tim Scott,

Kershaw Co, SC (WOLO) — The kershaw county school district says they had 50 students get breakfast this morning, and throughout the morning, we saw dozens of families pull up to the curb and pick up meals for their kids. District officials say they are going to keep this ‘grab-and-go’ program going for the time being, but they are looking…

W6 P Harvest Hope Coronavirus
Local News, News

Harvest Hope Food Bank changes procedure because of coronavirus

Harvest Hope Food Bank on Shop Road is one group that is changing how they operate during this uncertain time.
Maria Szatkowski,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — Organizations across the nation are making changes to try and prevent the spread of COVID-19, including groups in the Midlands. Harvest Hope Food Bank on Shop Road is one group that is changing how they operate during this uncertain time. As of Tuesday, March 17, they will be moving their emergency food pantry services outdoors. This…
Kershaw, Local News, News, Richland

General Sessions Court cancelled in Richland Co.

Rob Dew,

  (ABC Columbia/FILE) Wisconsin jury awards $450K in Sandy Hook defamation case. Richland Co., S.C. (WOLO)– According to 5th Circuit Solicitor per directive of Chief Justice Beatty, effective immediately, Richland County General Sessions Court has postponed all jury trials, Transfer Courts, and first and second Appearances until further notice. A spokesperson for the solicitor’s office says the cancellations are in…
Kershaw, Lexington, Local News, News, State

DHEC announces 5 new coronavirus cases in SC

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–  DHEC announced Monday it is investigating five additional cases of coronavirus bringing the total number in the state to 33. A spokesperson for the agency says four of the new cases are in Kershaw Co. Three of those cases, according to DHEC, are middle-aged individuals who are known contacts to a previously reported case and are currently…

Prismacorn
Local News

Prisma Health offering limited drive-through COVID-19 testing

Crysty Vaughan,

COLUMBIA,  SC  (WOLO)– Prisma Health officials announced Monday they are now offering limited drive-through testing for Coronavirus. The Columbia site is outside Prisma Health Richland Hospital. According to officials, testing is only for patients with electronic orders from their Prisma Health provider or from a Prisma Health Virtual Visit provider. Paper orders from physicians will not be accepted, say hospital…
Local News, News

City of Columbia modifies services due to Coronavirus concerns

Access to Public buildings restricted, some services online only
Crysty Vaughan,

COLUMBIA SC ( WOLO)– The City of Columbia announced it will modify services, until further notice, to minimize the spread COVID-19 in the community. According to City officials, a number of measures will be enacted beginning March 17, 2020. Per a release,  The City of Columbia has modified the following : Non-essential city employees will report on staggered schedules or…