COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina State Museum has decided to temporarily close to the public due to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The museum announced their plans Tuesday morning. Many other public events and venues, including the Riverbanks Zoo and public park services, have also decided to cancel all events.
The museum says all upcoming museum programs, events and rentals through Sunday, April 5 are also canceled.
The museum says their staff are currently developing engaging educational content to share online with students and families so their resources will still be available to South Carolinians even though their doors are closed. T
The public can find the State Museum online through the museum's website (scmuseum.org) and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The State Museum will continue to monitor the public health risks from COVID-19 and will adhere to recommendations and guidelines set forth by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Museum staff will remain on-site and will continue to update its operational status on the website.
What is the Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more serious diseases such as pneumonia. DHEC is working with CDC to identify all those who might have been in contact with these individuals. These people will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms.
People can help to prevent the spread of the virus in the following ways:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. And, always wash your hands with soap and water if they are visibly dirty.
- avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- stay home when you’re sick.
- cough or sneeze into your elbow or use a tissue and put it in the trash immediately.
- clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- get the influenza vaccine.
For general questions about COVID-19 residents should visit the DHEC website at scdhec.gov/COVID19 or the CDC website here.
For residents concerned about their own personal health or are showing symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath, please call your personal doctor or healthcare provider. DHEC has launched its Care Line. If residents have general questions about COVID-19, the DHEC Care Line is here to help. Call 1-855-472-3432. Staff are answering calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call volume has been high. Callers are urged to be patient if they receive a busy signal and try their call at a later time.