Jimmy Buffett concert in Columbia rescheduled because of coronavirus outbreak
Jimmy Buffett still plans on bringing his tour to Columbia for a show, just not when originally planned.
Like so many other events, Buffett’s April 23 concert at Colonial Life Arena was postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak.
But Parrotheads can take solace that Buffett’s Columbia performance was not canceled. It has been rescheduled for June 9, according to arena officials.
Tickets are on sale for Buffett’s concert, and range from $49 to $149, and are available at Ticketmaster’s website.
Colonial Life Arena officials were ecstatic when they first announced Buffett was coming to Columbia.
“We are honored to welcome Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band back to Columbia this spring,” Colonial Life Arena general manager Sid Kenyon said in a news release. “Jimmy Buffett concerts are always the ultimate must-see concert of the year. This is one not to miss!”
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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.
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Buffett is just one of several big name musicians, comedians and other performers to have postponed or canceled scheduled shows in Columbia as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Venues like the Township Auditorium, the Koger Center and The Senate have also been affected.
The Millennium Tour featuring Omarion, Bow Wow, Ashanti, Ying Yang Twins has also been rescheduled for a summer date at Colonial Life Arena. The hip hop performers will take the stage on July 12 rather than April 12, according to arena officials.
Although he has postponed the first leg of his North American tour, Elton John is still scheduled to perform at Colonial Life Arena on May 22. That show, the second in Columbia on his farewell tour, is set to kickoff the second leg, Rolling Stone reported.
“Ticket holders are encouraged to retain their tickets as info regarding the rescheduled date is forthcoming and all previously purchased tickets will be honored,” Colonial Life Arena officials said. “Updates will be provided as quickly as possible. Refunds will also be available at point of purchase.”
Part of the reason events are being scrapped is because of social distancing.
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.
To reduce the spread of coronavirus, events of more than 50 people in a state, county, city, or other publicly-owned facility are prohibited, except for essential government functions, according to the South Carolina Emergency Management Division.
After 46 new positive tests for the coronavirus were confirmed Saturday, South Carolina now has a total of 173 COVID-19 patients, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). Nearly two-thirds of South Carolina’s 46 counties have reported a case.
Symptoms of coronavirus can include a fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing, according to the CDC. Among the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 is trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and blueish lips or face, the CDC said.
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.
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.
As of Sunday morning, 311,988 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 13,407 people have died, while 93,790 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 26,747 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 340 deaths have been reported, including 94 in Washington state, according to Johns Hopkins.
Three patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina have died. They were described as elderly with underlying medical conditions, state health officials said.
