‘Stop the spread’: USC coaches urge public to make a difference in coronavirus battle
The South Carolina Athletics Department took to social media Friday in an effort to talk to people about the coronavirus.
USC Athletics Director Ray Tanner, football coach Will Muschamp, men’s basketball coach Frank Martin and women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley recorded an almost two minute public service announcement to encourage people to stay home and take the pandemic seriously.
“Taking responsibility means making major changes for our daily lives,” Muschamp said in the video.
“It’s more than just washing your hands for 20 seconds,” Staley said during the video. “... It is up to each of us to stop the spread of this virus.”
Staley and the USC women’s basketball team made a donation to the state’s Senior Resources’ pantry.
Columbia City Council approved a shelter-in-place ordinance on Thursday that requires city residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
The ordinance goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Sunday. It requires residents to stay at home and avoid public streets, sidewalks and other public places, as well as businesses, unless they are conducting an “essential service.”
“It means no more parties, no more game nights and no more gatherings,” Martin said.
At least 456 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina, and nine people have died as of Thursday afternoon, according to public health officials.
Officials reported 32 additional cases and two deaths Thursday. People have tested positive for the virus in 39 out of the state’s 46 counties, according to the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
“We will get our normal back,” Muschamp said.
