News

Digital Exclusives and Features, Local News, Richland

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
ABC Columbia Staff,

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…

2020 Shamrock Parade
Lexington, Local News, News

Shamrock Parade in downtown Lexington postponed

ABC Columbia Staff,

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)…
Local News, News, State

SCDC suspends inmate visitations statewide in response to coronavirus spread

ABC Columbia Staff,

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…

Comet Reax
Local News, News

Several COMET riders not too concerned about possible spread of coronavirus

COMET recently implemented changes like having hand sanitizer stations on their buses
Tim Scott,

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) –Experts say one of the places where disease could spread the quickest is on public transit vehicles. To tackle a possible spread of coronavirus, Central Midlands Transit (COMET) is stepping up its cleaning efforts and encouraging its riders to exercise good hygiene. Thousands of people ride COMET buses everyday to get to work or to get to…
Lexington, Local News, News, Richland, State

Riverbanks, other attractions implement COVID 19 prevention policies

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– Several Midlands tourist attractions are taking extra precautions as a result of coronavirus. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden says it is increasing the frequency of disinfecting high-touch areas as well as making hand sanitizer more widely available throughout the park and in office areas. Zoo vendors will also no longer handle refillable souvenir cups, rather they will fill…
Local News, News, Richland

Fill the Boot campaign postponed

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– A Midlands tradition is being postponed due to the coronavirus. A spokesperson for the Columbia Fire Department says next week’s scheduled Fill-the-Boot fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association will be moved to a later date. Last year fire fighters raised more than $130,000 for the cause. Categories: Local News, News, Richland
Local News, News, Richland

Soda City Market cancelled for the rest of the month

Rob Dew,

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– If you plan on doing any shopping this weekend you’re down one option. according to its twitter account, the soda city market that takes place on main street every saturday, will be cancelled for the rest of the month.   (2) This afternoon, City officials alerted us that the event which occurs weekly on a public road…

Nursing Home Care
Local News, National News, News

Keeping the elderly safe as threat of COVID-19 continues

The threat of COVID-19 continues in America, and it's especially a concern for the elderly as they're more susceptible to the virus.
Maria Szatkowski,

West Columbia, S.C. (WOLO) — The threat of COVID-19 continues in America, and it’s especially a concern for the elderly as they’re more susceptible to the virus. Laurel Crest Retirement Community in West Columbia is taking the extra step to make sure their residents remain safe. Everyone must be screened upon entering the main lobby, and visitors and vendors must…
Local News, National News, News, Politics, State

Sen. Graham to self-quarantine following possible COVID-19 exposure

Rob Dew,

Washington, DC (WOLO)– Sen. Lindsey Graham says he will self-quarantine after his visit to the president’s home at Mar-A-Lago last weekend. The senator was there at the same time as the president of Brazil who is awaiting the results of a coronavirus test and his spokesperson who tested positive. Though the senator says he does not remember having any direct…

Mcmaster Request
Local News, News, Politics, State

Governor requests emergency funds for coronavirus response

Rob Dew,

  Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)–  Thursday South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster requested that the legislature pass a joint resolution to take $45 million from the 2019-2020 contingency reserve fund immediately available to DHEC for its coordination of the state’s public health response to coronavirus. The governor’s office says any funds not used by DHEC would be returned to the fund. Categories:…