Columbia trying to help restaurants affected by coronavirus precautions
The City of Columbia is trying to help restaurants whose business has been hurt by the coronavirus outbreak, and the social distancing measures being taken to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Red bags are being placed over parking meters to reserve spots on Columbia streets for takeout dining customers, city officials said in a news release.
On Tuesday, hours after Gov. Henry McMaster ordered all South Carolina bars and restaurants close in-house service, Columbia announced the plan to support those businesses with the red bagged meters.
“Restaurants and bars must close their dine-in service starting tomorrow, starting tomorrow morning,” McMaster said. “It is allowed and recommended that takeout, curbside delivery of food ... all that be increased, enhanced”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Businesses in the Main Street, Five Points, Devine Street, and Vista areas have had street parking reserved for customers picking up food orders, according to the release.
“Parking Services is excited to partner with our local hospitality districts in support of Columbia’s thriving restaurant community as we find ourselves practicing recommended social distancing,” officials said in the release. “In partnership with all businesses who are open — in specific capacities such as curbside pickup, take out/to go, online and phone ordering Parking Services has orderly placed bagged meters throughout Columbia business districts to facilitate the ease of quick parking.”
Officials said red bags were not used on meters in North Columbia or Rosewood, because those areas usually don’t have parking shortages.
“Restaurants depend on community support and in this time of uncertainty, social distancing means we are still able to support local businesses by ordering via phone and online,” officials said.
Those restaurants won’t be open for late-night diners looking for takeout orders. On Tuesday, Columbia City Council voted unanimously to impose a citywide curfew from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Anyone looking for more information can call 803-545-4015.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 47 people in South Carolina had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control. That included the first confirmed case of coronavirus in Richland County.
DHEC is encouraging people to practice “social distancing” to help stop the spread of the virus. Social distancing is staying away from unnecessary interactions with sick people and from large groups of people; it also calls for remaining at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.
The best way to prevent infection is to frequently wash hands for 20 seconds; avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth; avoid contact with sick people and clean frequently touched objects with a cleaning spray or wipe, according to the CDC. DHEC also recommends covering your cough, staying home when sick, and disposing tissues and other items that you’ve sneezed or coughed into.
Symptoms of coronavirus vary from mild to severe and include coughing, sneezing and shortness of breath, according to the CDC.
Free online screenings also can be accessed by all South Carolina residents, by going to scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Prisma Health is also offering free access to medical professionals for those who think they may have coronavirus, The State reported. People experiencing COVID-19 symptoms can go to https://www.prismahealth.org/virtual-visit/ and schedule a free online visit, Prisma officials said.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREThis is a breaking news story
In a breaking news situation, facts can be unclear and the situation may still be developing. The State is trying to get important information to the public as quickly and accurately as possible. This story will be updated as more information becomes available, and some information in this story may change as the facts become clearer. Refresh this page later for more updated information.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 7:42 AM.
