COLUMBIA, S.C. — The City of Columbia declared a cufew to go in effect on Wednesday March 18 due to the coronavirus outbreak.
The decision by the council came around an hour after health officials announced a new case of COVID-19 was found in Richland County. The city said their goal is to stop people from gathering in large groups.
The curfew will restrict both travel and public gatherings during the hours of 11:00 p.m. until 6 a.m.
“Officers are going to start by issuing verbal warnings for the next couple of days just to educate the public about the curfew being in effect," Columbia Police Deputy Chief Melron Kelly said.
But there are some exceptions to the curfew, here's who we know are exempt:
- People going to work, conducting work - If you're headed to work in the overnight hours, you're fine, whether it's at a grocery store, gas station, plant or wherever else that may be. It's possible you may be asked by an officer where you're headed, but if you have a valid excuse, that is fine.
- People seeking medical treatment - If someone is having a medical emergency in the middle of the night, or is driving to an early morning treatment in another city or state at those hours, that will also be permitted.
- Public safety emergency - If there is a public safety emergency at a home, people fleeing those situations will not have to worry.
Kelly said if you are going to work in the overnight hours, that's OK. This includes people working for delivery and trucking services. It also includes if you take a ride-share to and from work.
“Officers are going to ask why you are out that time of night and if you are taking a ride-share home that’s perfectly OK," Kelly said. "We don’t want social gatherings, if you and your friends feel like you want to go to a city park after 11 o'clock tonight to get together and hang out, that’s probably going to get you an interaction with a Columbia police officer. We just want people to be safe.”
The curfew could be lifted at any time by the mayor and the council but would automatically expire after 61 days.
Columbia hasn't used a citywide curfew since the flood of October 2015.
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.