Free food for restaurant workers affected by coronavirus shutdown at Harvest Hope
Leaders of some of the more well-known restaurants in Columbia are teaming up with Harvest Hope to help the food service employees affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
They’ll be distributing food to restaurant employees on Thursday, from 1-2 p.m.
Food donated by Sysco will be handed over to workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Tazza Kitchen, Bourbon, Black Rooster are among several restaurants involved in the event to be held at Harvest Hope, located at 2220 Shop Road in Columbia.
Owners and other people affiliated with those restaurants will be volunteering to help distribute the food.
“All service industry workers are invited to receive food assistance,” according to a news release.
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.
The event is being held hours after it was announced South Carolina unemployment claims rose 1,600 percent in one week because of the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the state.
By the end of last week, 31,054 South Carolinia residents filed unemployment insurance claims, according to the Department of Employment and Workforce. The previous week, the agency received 1,996 initial claims from people living and working in the state.
Unemployment claims are not the only numbers rising in South Carolina.
On Wednesday, 82 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 424 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 39 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
DHEC expects more than 8,053 cases of coronavirus in South Carolina by May 2, according to forecast numbers released Wednesday. There will likely be more than 2,600 cases by April 2.
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.
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.
Food for restaurant workers
WHAT: Food distribution line for service industry employees
WHERE: Harvest Hope Food Bank, 2220 Shop Road, Columbia
WHEN: 1-2 p.m.
