Ongoing spread of coronavirus prompts COMET to make changes to Columbia bus service
As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to rise in South Carolina, the COMET is making changes to its service in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Beginning Tuesday, COMET is closing a large bus stop and limiting the number of riders per bus, according to the release.
The bus line that runs through Columbia and the Midlands is putting a priority on social distancing, COMET officials said in a news release.
“COMET is striving to exhaust all measures to keep passengers safe,” CEO John Andoh said in the release.
One of those measures is closing COMET Central until further notice.
“This would help alleviate overcrowding concerns during the peak hours of the day and help spread out customers to different transit stop locations,” according to the release.
Another change involves seating on the bus, as only one passenger will be allowed per row, COMET officials said.
Additionally, bus riders will not be allowed to use the handrail for support as part of an effort to control the spread of germs, according to the release.
One thing that is not changing is the COMET’s schedule. Buses will continue to run Monday through Saturday, according to the release.
But COMET officials are asking riders only to use the buses when necessary.
“Understanding the potential challenges that the community may face in the coming weeks, we would like to continue to encourage all riders to limit travel to only essential locations,” Andoh said.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (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.
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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.
The City of Columbia has also made changes to help social distancing when it involves transportation.
Columbia is waiving all parking fees during the coronavirus outbreak.
“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.”
The city said red bags were placed over parking meters to reserve spots on Columbia streets for takeout dining customers.
On Monday, 151 new cases of the coronavirus were reported in South Carolina, bringing the statewide total to 925 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 41 counties, according to DHEC.
DHEC also announced that two more people died after testing positive for the coronavirus, raising that total to 18 in less than a month. State health officials described all 18 as elderly, and all but one had underlying medical conditions.
There have been 4,160 negative tests at DHEC’s public health laboratory.
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 Tuesday morning, 800,049 people worldwide have been diagnosed with coronavirus and 38,743 people have died, while 170,325 recovered, according to Johns Hopkins University. The United States leads the world with 164,610 people who have been diagnosed with the novel virus. In the U.S. 3,170 deaths have been reported, including 914 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.
