Riverbanks Zoo extends time it will be closed to visitors because of coronavirus
Plans have changed and Riverbanks Zoo and Garden will remain closed through April because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
When the Columbia zoo temporarily closed on March 16, it was supposed to reopen on April 1, officials said.
But on Wednesday, officials said Riverbanks will remain closed to the public until May, at the earliest, as the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to rise in South Carolina.
Zoo officials said they made the decision to keep visitors out for longer by following state and federal guidelines that encourage social distancing to help slow the spread of coronavirus.
“The zoo and garden is extremely grateful for the steadfast support of our members, guests and the community,” it said in a news release.
Although the facility is closed, the animals and plants at the zoo and garden “continue to receive the highest standards of care during this unprecedented time,” according to the release.
“Critical operations teams have been working diligently to provide vital care to our wildlife, habitats and infrastructure,” officials said.
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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.
While the public can’t get inside the zoo’s gates, it’s still possible to take a virtual tour of Riverbanks.
The zoo is offering its own form of e-learning, Z-learning, online. Its goal is to create a connection with virtual visitors and inspire them to make an impact on conservation, it said in the release.
The Z-Learning sessions are held each weekday at 10 a.m., according to the release.
On Tuesday, 44 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 342 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 36 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
DHEC also announced Tuesday that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to seven in less than two weeks. State health officials described all seven as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
In the Midlands 45 patients have tested positive for COVID-19 in Richland County, while there are 19 cases in Lexington 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.
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.
As of Wednesday morning, 428,405 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 19,120 people have died, while 109,926 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. In the United States, 55,225 people have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 802 deaths have been reported, including 192 in New York City, according to Johns Hopkins.
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 25, 2020 at 12:31 PM.
