Columbia offers free parking to promote social distancing during coronavirus outbreak
The City of Columbia is waiving all parking fees during the coronavirus outbreak.
No payment will be required at parking meters and the gates at city garages will be lifted into the open position, city officials said Monday in a news release.
The city is taking the action to support efforts of social distancing and Columbia’s businesses, according to the release.
“Parking payments will not be required for on-street parking meters until further notice,” officials said in the release. “In support of the effort to reduce contact and exposure at city-owned parking facilities, gates will be raised until further notice.”
Specific areas will continued to be monitored for illegal parking. That includes handicapped spaces, fire lanes, yellow curbs and other no-parking areas, it said in the release.
This is the most recent adjustment Columbia has made to parking restrictions since frequent reports of positive tests of COVID-19.
Less than a week ago, the city said red bags were placed over parking meters to reserve spots on Columbia streets for takeout dining customers.
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.
“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,” city officials said. “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 red bags were not used on meters in North Columbia or Rosewood, because those areas usually don’t have parking shortages.
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.
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.
After 22 new positive tests for the coronavirus were confirmed Sunday, South Carolina now has a total of 195 COVID-19 patients, according to the DHEC. Thirty-two 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 Monday morning, 343,421 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 14,790 people have died, while 98,896 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 35,224 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 471 deaths have been reported, including 99 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
Three patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 in South Carolina have died. State health officials described them as elderly with underlying medical conditions.
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.
