Richland sheriff seeks $500K grant for coronavirus-related expenses
Richland County’s sheriff deputies could receive almost half a million dollars in federal grant money to assist in their response to the coronavirus.
The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is seeking $487,360 in coronavirus grant funding offered by the U.S. Department of Justice. The money will be used for personal protective equipment for deputies and pay them overtime for COVID-19 related duties.
The sheriff’s department made the announcement during Richland County Council’s coronavirus committee on Monday.
The money would be used to ensure bars and restaurants remain closed during a mandatory statewide shutdown, the county’s grant proposal said. The grant could also cover any increased patrols or investigations in response to the crisis and could pay for crowd control measures or increased security at food distribution points.
The sheriff’s department would also cover for any decrease in personnel if officers themselves get sick or need to quarantine because of the virus, or even if a deputy has to miss work because their children are out of school.
The committee referred the request to the full county council to consider on Tuesday. The grant doesn’t require the county to spend any more money.
County Administrator Leonardo Brown told council his office has seen an increase in overtime requests from county employees during the coronavirus outbreak, particularly from first responders and the county magistrate’s offices.
“We want to make sure scheduling appropriately due to response, and not just working people more,” Brown said.
The committee also discussed criteria for businesses to qualify for help under its planned $1.5 million coronavirus response plan. County staff said the plan will target local businesses with up to 50 employees and offer assistance in rent payments or payroll.
“We want mom and pop shops to be aware,” said Council Chairman Paul Livingston. “They may not be as sophisticated and may not always seek this kind of assistance.”
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
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.
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