Wells Fargo closing several Columbia-area banks because of coronavirus concerns
Wells Fargo said Tuesday it will close several of its banks across South Carolina, including many in the Midlands.
Ten banks in S.C. will temporarily shut down as the result of the rising number of positive COVID-19 tests in the coronavirus pandemic.
“Wells Fargo continues to evaluate the steps necessary to ensure it can best serve customers, protect team members and minimize the spread of COVID-19,” bank officials said in a news release.
Of the 14 Wells Fargo branches located in the Midlands, three in Columbia are temporarily closing. That includes the banks at 1441 Main Street, 705 Saluda Avenue, and 4800 Garners Ferry Road.
The Wells Fargo bank on North Washington Street in Sumter is also temporarily closed.
Information on when the banks will reopen was not available.
The lobby will only be open by appointment at the other branches, according to Wells Fargo.
These branches will also offer drive-up services, but the bank hours have been adjusted. Branches will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, while branches that offer Saturday hours will be open from 9 a.m. to noon.
Wells Fargo said online and mobile banking remains an option for most of its customers.
“I want to assure you that Wells Fargo will do everything in our power to continue to serve our customers and support our communities — through digital and mobile, by phone and in offices and branches as prudent,” CEO Charlie Scharf said in a statement. “In the meantime, please stay safe and take care of yourself and your loved ones. That is what matters most right now.”
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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.
Three of nine Wells Fargo branches in Greenville County are closing, while one of 18 in Charleston County will shut down. One of four Wells Fargo banks in York County will temporarily close, along with one of six Spartanburg County branches.
On Monday, 103 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 298 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 34 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
DHEC also announced Monday that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to five in less than two weeks. State health officials described all five as elderly with underlying medical conditions.
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.
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.
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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 24, 2020 at 1:02 PM.
