City News
October
 2020




VIRTUAL 14th Annual Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence
This Saturday, October 10, Mayor Steve Benjamin and Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine are hosting the 14th Annual Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence, which is being held virtually this year due to the pandemic. This year's walk will take a digital approach to increasing awareness about domestic violence in our community. As a digital partner and domestic violence ambassador, participants are asked to post and share on their personal social media platforms about domestic violence awareness month. By doing so, they will be educating others and helping to further raise awareness about the abuse and violence that is taking place in our community.
Sistercare and the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (SCCADVASA) are two local organizations taking a stand against domestic violence. Both organizations provide services and support to victims and survivors in South Carolina. For those who are in need of help or know of someone experiencing relationship abuse, call Sistercare’s crisis hotline at (803)-765-9428.
 In our local communities, both organizations also promote prevention of domestic violence through educating, training and spreading awareness. The SCCADVASA offers statistics and references to inform of domestic violence and sexual assault, in a resource library of over 1400 books, journals, videos and brochures. Information can be found on their website at https://www.sccadvasa.org.
           Coming together as a community is crucial in taking a stand against Domestic Violence. According to the Violence Policy Center in their latest annual report of homicide data regarding domestic violence situations, “nearly 2,000 women were murdered by men in 2018 and the most common weapon used was a gun.” By educating others spreading awareness this month through digital platforms, that number can be diminished and it will help eliminate the domestic violence that is taking place in our communities. 
           To register for this year’s virtual Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/120247063203. Participants can also search “Virtual Mayor’s Walk Against Domestic Violence” on the Eventbrite website to register.

The City of Columbia recognizes October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

In recognition, banners have been placed at City Hall.

Due to the pandemic, our annual Breast Cancer awareness and Domestic Violence awareness events cannot be held this year. However, that does not stop our awareness campaigns •
City of Columbia Planning and Development Services Hosting One-on-One Appointment Sessions for Citizens to Discuss New Zoning Map
 
The City of Columbia is moving forward with the new zoning map to correspond with the adopted Unified Development Ordinance. 

A virtual public meeting was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2020. The replay of the virtual public meeting can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/LgNwrUXh428. Planning and Development staff will offer one-on-one appointments in 15-minute increments via phone and/or virtually to answer property-specific questions.
 
There are only two remaining days for one-on-one appointments for Wednesday, October 7, 2020 and Thursday, October 8, 2020. For information on how to sign-up for an appointment and to view the draft map, please visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/zoning for updates or call 803-545-3332.
 
The new Unified Development Ordinance creates a user-friendly code that streamlines and modernizes procedures, creates a more efficient and predictable process, and provides for more flexibility in appropriate contexts. For information on the project to include the text of the new ordinance, please visit www.weplantogether.org.

** Flyer Link Below

City Council Meeting | Tuesday, October 6, 2020
 
In the interest of public health, the Columbia City Council will conduct a virtual meeting using video conferencing technology on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
View the meeting agenda: Download PDF Agenda  |  View Web Agenda
Accordingly, members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely by one of the following options:
 
1.      Watch: The public may stream the meetings through CityTV accessed at https://www.youtube.com/ColumbiaSCGovernment
2.      Listen: The public may participate via phone. You may call: 855-925-2801. The meeting code: 9824.
Those participating by phone will receive three options on how to participate:
• (star one) *1 will allow you to listen
• (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice message that will be read into the record.
• (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted. 
 
For additional meeting information visit www.columbiacitysc.iqm2.com. You may also register at this site to post comments related to items on the agenda.
 
For questions regarding the meeting portal, please contact the City Clerk at (803) 545-3043 or CityClerk@columbiasc.gov.
 
For City of Columbia information, please visit our website www.ColumbiaSC.gov.
 

* Agenda Link Below:
Design/Development Review Commission | Thursday, October 8, 2020
 
In the interest of public health and authorized by City Council Ordinance 2020-032, the City of Columbia Design/Development Review Commission will conduct a virtual meeting on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.
 
Members of the public and/or media who want to observe the meetings may do so remotely, by
 
2.      E-Mail: Submit letters and statements to COCBoardMeeting@ColumbiaSC.gov leading up to and/or during the meeting.
3.      Phone: Call 855-925-2801. When prompted, please enter the meeting code: 7949
1.      (star one) *1 will allow you to listen
2.      (star two) *2 will allow you to record a voice mail message that will be read into the record.
3.      (star three) *3 will allow a participant to be placed in a queue, so they may speak live when prompted
 
As this is an ever-evolving situation, please continue to monitor www.columbiasc.gov for additional information.
 
Questions can be directed to Zoning by calling (803) 545-3333 or by e-mailing Zoning@ColumbiaSC.gov. For additional information, please visit our website at www.columbiasc.net/planning-boards-commissions.
 
 
Mayor Benjamin Receives Flu Vaccination at City Hall to Encourage Columbia Residents to Protect Themselves for the Upcoming Flu Season

Friday October 2nd, Mayor Steve Benjamin expressed the importance of preventing the spread of the flu in our Midlands communities during this fall season. Mayor Benjamin was joined by At-large City Councilman Howard Duvall.

“Even if you don’t have any chronic conditions or any special risk factors for flu, it is still important to protect yourself, protect your family and your community by getting your flu shot this year,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin.

Mayor Steve Benjamin received his flu vaccination from a representative of Doctor’s Care to lead by example of taking the preventative measures to stop the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Flu vaccinations are available at free or low cost at many pharmacies, public health departments, college health centers, employers and schools.

To stay updated about the upcoming flu season, please visit https://resilient.columbiasc.gov/.



Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council Unanimously Approves Emergency Ordinance Extending Mask Face Coverings and Temporary Suspension of Meetings


Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance that extends the temporary suspension of the normal operating procedures of City Council and City Boards and Commissions meetings. 
This allows for the Mayor, Council Members, Board Members and Commission Members to remotely participate in voting and operational procedures by telephone or other means of electronic communication and extends the requirement that face coverings or masks be work in public in the City of Columbia.
The previous ordinance would have expired on October 4, 2020. The extension approved by City Council today extends the ordinance to expire on the 61st day after enactment of this ordinance.

** Ordinance Link Below:

City of Columbia to Celebrate National Community Planning Month
The City of Columbia is celebrating National Community Planning Month this October. The City of Columbia prioritizes planning, working to improve our public space and parks, planning for preservation and sustainability, and helping formalize a vision for the future of our city and our communities. National Community Planning Month is a time to highlight the important role of planning in our communities. Planning can be summed up as comprehensive, community-focused and enhancing choices. While many people may not realize it, planning has a significant impact on their day-to-day life. From where they live, to how they commute, to the type of home they live in, planning plays a vital role in a person’s life and well-being.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
This year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our celebration will be virtual. Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook @ColaCompass to partake in our month-long celebration of planning! You can also learn more about the national celebration by visiting https://planning.org/ncpm/ .
WHY CELEBRATE?
Planners help create communities of lasting value. Planning helps leverage public and private funds that lead to business growth, job creation, and economically resilient communities.
Planners are skilled at balancing the varied interests and viewpoints that emerge as a community plans its future. Planners consider what is best for the entire community – senior citizens, workers, children, people living with disabilities, business owners, and elected officials. How do they arrive at these community-wide decisions? Through conversations with residents and thoughtful outreach to community stakeholders.
Planners work for the greater good. Planners work with professionals from different fields such as public health, recreation and engineering to make communities safer, stronger, and healthier. Planning does not stop at a geographic border. Communities are served best when planners take a broader viewpoint, encompassing regional and statewide perspectives.
Planners have the unique expertise to comprehensively address the impacts of today’s actions on tomorrow’s communities. Planners do not just focus on where to locate (or site) a building, but also consider how that decision impacts the safety of the community, the existing character of the community, how it impacts the environmental resiliency, and if the decision encourages social and economic diversity.
BACKGROUND
What is National Community Planning Month?
Established in 2006, National Community Planning Month is celebrated each October as a way to highlight the role of planners and the importance of good planning in our communities. Across the country, communities celebrate planning through a variety of avenues including have a mayoral proclamation declaring October as community planning month; planning department open houses; community tours of APA designated Great Places in America; or photo contests. Planning is essential for our communities to prosper and maintain balance and cohesiveness.
Each year, a theme is identified to help a community highlight an aspect or outcome of planning. The theme can be used to organize events and activities within the community. The 2020 theme is Planning Is Essential to Recovery — this theme highlights how planning and planners can lead communities to equitable, resilient, and long-lasting recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information about community planning efforts, visit https://www.columbiasc.net/planning-preservation/city-plans and https://www.columbiacompass.org/ . You can also contact the Planning and Development Services Department at 803-545-3222. 
HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS DURING THE PANDEMIC
City of Columbia to Cancel Annual “Spooktacular Halloween Party”
 
The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has announced they will cancel this year’s “Spooktactular Halloween Party” to protect citizens and minimize opportunities to spread COVID-19 in our community.
 
In addition, no Halloween events will be held at any City parks due to facilities still being closed.
 
 
For more information, please visit https://www.columbiasc.gov/parks-recreation/news for further details and updates.
 
City of Columbia Municipal Court Reopening | A Message from the Chief Administrative Judge

The Columbia Municipal Court will reopened to limited operations. Only Criminal, Traffic, Quality of Life, and Domestic Violence courts will operate after our reopen date. Jury Trials, Roster Meetings and Preliminary Hearings will continue to be postponed until further notice. If you have missed your court date due to the court closure, your case will be rescheduled and notification will be sent to you by mail of your new court date. Fine payments can be made online from this web page under the Court Payments tab, in person at our drive thru window or at our payment counter after the reopen date listed above. No person will be allowed in the courthouse without a face covering.

In addition, please open and review the Order by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which is liked below, regarding Required Use of Protective Mask in Municipal Courthouses.






City of Columbia Partners with Technology Companies, and Receives Generous Donation From Radio Personality Charlamagne Tha God, to Bring Broadband Access to Colony Apartment Community on Beltline Boulevard
 
On Friday, September 25, the City of Columbia launched the expansion of Wi-Fi to the Colony Apartments on Beltline Boulevard, through an initiative orchestrated by Sam Johnson, and a partnership with IGNITE CITIES (IGNITE). On Friday at 9:30 am Gregory Electric, with remote support from Mesh++ will begin installing ten Solar Powered Mesh WI-FI networking nodes manufactured by Mesh++ at the Colony Apartments at 3545 West Beltline Boulevard. The installation will be done by Gregory Electric using a bucket truck. The devices, which weigh 25 pounds, will be attached to lamp posts throughout The Colony Apartments facility.
 
Due to COVID-19, many of our families struggle without access to Wi-Fi. This free Wi-Fi program aims to provide access to students who are unable to access remote learning, and to families looking for both employment and COVID-19 assistance. This solution requires zero trenching or cables, and relies entirely on solar power and cell service, at absolutely no cost to the city or its residents. 
 
“It is unconscionable to think that our students can receive a quality education without access to the internet,” said Sam Johnson. “We have to be creative in finding solutions to make sure our communities are able to address these growing, evolving challenges. I’m just thankful to be able to play a role in helping this take place here in Columbia.”
The first installation will support the residents of the Colony and North Pointe Apartments, and this community service project has also received a generous donation from South Carolina native and national level radio and television personality Charlamagne Tha God, and Elevation Church.
“As a father of three, I hate that two of my children had to do virtual learning, but you immediately get brought back to reality when you realize something that you take for granted, like Wi Fi, is a luxury that other people don’t have,” said Charlamagne Tha God.
 “I saw a video of kids literally at a Taco Bell using the Wi Fi just to do schoolwork and that broke my heart,” Charlamagne Tha God continued. “Around this time every year I do a book bag drive but clearly this year that’s not what these students needed. I reached out to Mayor Benjamin just to ask him what can we do for kids who are experiencing these types of challenges, and he told me exactly what was needed, so now it’s done. I’m going to always be there for my people. When I say South Carolina, we all we got: I truly mean that.”
IGNITE Cities has initiated this COVID-19 Wi-Fi Relief Program in the United States with deployments active in New Orleans, Chicago, Miami, LA and Columbia.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed and amplified many of the systemic disadvantages and barriers that challenge families trying to survive in adverse economic conditions, including what should be the simple function of sending their children to school,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. “No child should be denied the framework of education simply due to a lack of WI-FI access. When Charlamagne Tha God asked me what he could do to help struggling families in Columbia, I knew his generosity could greatly augment IGNITE’s tech initiative and provide the free access they need to help bring their children to the digital classrooms other students have easy access to.”
“Our families across the country are hurt and it’s our responsibility to provide the relief, recovery and rebuild for our cities.” said George Burciaga of IGNITE. “So, let’s rebuild together and ensure we include everyone and all communities this time.”
This program was also launched in Chicago on July 28th. IGNITE, in collaboration with Mayor Benjamin and other mayors across the country have deployed Wi-Fi relief in Miami, New Orleans and LA. Local electrical contractor Gregory Electric will install the wireless WI-FI devices on existing utility poles at the Colony Apartments on September 25.
IGNITE is a consulting practice designed to develop, engage and ignite relationships with Mayors, CEOs and global technology firms. The objective is to architect a connected city by placing people at the center of our purpose. IGNITE has refocused the connected city space and developed a smart framework that can scale, replicate and become profitable. The result creates a visible impact that is measured by PEOPLE through citizen engagement, transformed infrastructure and improved city services. 
Columbia Police Captain Chris White, Sam Johnson, Perry Noble from Building Better Communities, Mayor Steve Benjamin, local resident Jacques, Mayor Pro Tem Ed McDowell, Columbia Police Deputy Chief Melron Kelly
Installation Crew from Gregory Electric
City of Columbia Public Works Director Robert Anderson shows Sam Johnson and Colony Resident DiAsia Pearson the easy process to activate the WI-FI node.
 
Colony Apartment school –age residents NiAsia Pearson and Jacques helped Mayor Benjamin and Sam Johnson activate the first WI-FI node before its installation at the Colony Apartments.

Columbia Water and FEMA Come to Fundamental Agreement on Scope of Canal Work

The City of Columbia/Columbia Water announced that they have come to a fundamental agreement with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance program on the scope of damage to the Columbia Canal from the historic flooding that took place in the Midlands in 2015. This fundamental agreement is the culmination of years of negotiations with the federal agency and signals the beginning of the repair process for the canal and hydroelectric plant. FEMA PA is coordinated by the South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD).
“It has been a been a lengthy and highly technical process to demonstrate to FEMA and other agencies the extent of damage that the flood caused to the canal and power plant,” said Clint Shealy, Assistant City Manager for Columbia Water. “However, the second half of the equation was to come to an agreement with FEMA on what the damages were in order to determine how much funding could be provided. Today, we are pleased to announce that we have reached this milestone and can move forward with the project.”
Both the City and FEMA have identified approximately $42 million in damages as a result of the 2015 historic floods. The scope of work includes repairing the breach to the canal, fixing damaged sections of the canal embankment and repairing the hydroelectric plant at the south end of the canal to return green power to the City of Columbia.
Additional necessary work that does not fall under FEMA’s scope is replacing the headgates at the north end of the canal. However, a separate federal funding source is being sought for those repairs.
“We are excited to finally be moving forward, but we do want the public to understand that this will be a multi-faceted project that will take years to complete,” said Shealy. “And there may be some inconveniences to visitors of Riverfront Park as we move along, including closures from time to time to move equipment in and out.”
The first step in the repair process is an Environmental Assessment of the canal that will include an archeological survey. The survey began this week and will include geological borings along the canal embankment. It is expected to last through December 2020. The length of the remainder of the project has yet to be determined.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we begin this phase of making Columbia whole again from the devastating flood of 2015,” said Shealy. “We will provide updates of the project though traditional and social media as we move forward.”
Firefighters Want You to ‘Serve Up Safety’ for
Fire Prevention Week 2020
 

 
The Columbia-Richland Fire Department will be joining agencies throughout the U.S. in asking citizens to be more attentive and alert in their kitchens as National Fire Prevention Week 2020 kicks off next week.
 
The theme for this year’s prevention week (October 4-October 10) is ‘Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen’ – highlighting the risk of home fires that can happen while cooking.
 
“This theme REALLY is important in light of the situation we find ourselves in due to the pandemic,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey. D. Jenkins, “With many people spending more time at home and cooking more meals at home there comes a greater risk of something going wrong in the kitchen. This unfortunately can sometimes lead to major injuries and extensive property damage if a fire breaks out.”
 
Each year cooking fires are the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries according to the National Fire Prevention Association. In a majority of cases accidents while frying food caused major cooking fires.
To keep you and your family safe and protect your property from the threat of fire --- we encourage you to follow these guidelines:
 
  1. Have an adult or responsible person cook for children while you are away from home. This could by a babysitter, older sibling, neighbor, etc.
  2. To prevent children from cooking, have prepared meals at home for them during this time.

3.      Whenever possible, have your child use a microwave to heat food rather than use the stove.
4.      KEEP aluminum foil out of the microwave and plastics out of the oven.
  1. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, or broiling food.
  2. Leave a safety area of at least 3 feet around the stove while hot items are being prepared. This will help prevent young children from suffering burns.
 

  1. Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids.
  2. Keep a Class A-B-C Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher close to your stove in the event you have a grease fire.
 

  1. IF A GREASE FIRE BREAKS OUT DO NOT USE WATER TO EXTINGUISH IT! Smother the flames with a lid cover and turn off the burner. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. If the grease fire is in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.
10.  Make sure you have working smoke alarms and CO alarm(s) in your home.
11.  Have an escape plan for your home and practice it with your family.
 
Stay safe in the kitchen everyone!
 
 
CRFD members are making themselves available for interviews related to NFPW.
To schedule an interview please contact PIO Mike DeSumma at (803)413-8555 or by sending an email to michael.desumma@columbiasc.gov
 
 
 
 
 
Celebrate Agriculture, Arts and Tradition at Free, Drive-Through S.C. State Fair, Oct. 20-21
Fair food available for purchase with extended dates, Oct. 20-24
The first-ever free, Drive-Through S.C. State Fair is bringing the tradition of the State Fair to fairgoers in a new way in an effort to spread joy while staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Guests will experience a snippet of the agriculture, arts, entertainment and food they look forward to each year while remaining in the safety of their vehicles. The event will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20 and Wednesday, Oct. 21, 10 a.m. – 8p.m. Fair food will be available for purchase through a separate drive-through with extended dates, Tuesday, Oct. 20 – Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Find details at www.scstatefair.org and follow @scstatefair on social media.
 
“This is our way of giving back to the community — this year has been difficult for all of us,” said General Manager Nancy Smith, who also serves as the current chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). “We hope that folks will experience some of the wide-eyed wonder that they come to the State Fair for each year.”
 
What to expect at the free, Drive-Through State Fair
With free admission, guests will drive through the fairgrounds to view unique attractions that represent some of the exhibits that have captivated audiences over the years. Enter at the North Gate on Rosewood Drive near the fair’s historic Rocket. The route is estimated to take 20 minutes once guests enter the gates. To ensure safety and control the flow of traffic, visitors will not be allowed to exit their vehicles.
 
Agriculture has always played a significant role in the S.C. State Fair, and this year’s event will be no different. Cattle, swine, goats, chickens, as well as draft mules and donkeys, will be visible from the car route. The S.C. Department of Agriculture will showcase farm equipment from throughout the years. Exhibits will display blue-ribbon produce and flowers and, in the home and craft division, quilts and specialty cakes. 
 
Nostalgic exhibits will include the heritage village, an antique fire truck and memories from the popular CIRCUS at the Fair that debuted at the State Fair’s 150th anniversary in 2019. Additional fair favorites include artwork by the ‘Chicken Man’ himself, Ernest Lee, the sounds of the calliope, Thomas Humphries’ Fighting Stallions and Metal Band sculptures, the milking parlor and the famous Jupiter Rocket. And look out for samples of student and fine art. A special preview of the S.C. State Fair’s upcoming second annual “Carolina Lights” holiday light show will also delight guests along the ride.
 
Not only will the exhibits showcase traditional fair favorites, but the atmosphere will also return, including PA announcements, the playing of the national anthem at noon and the raising of the American flag.
  
“Our team is working hard to keep the traditions of the State Fair alive while prioritizing safety,” said Smith. “For over 150 years, South Carolinians have come together to celebrate our state’s agriculture, arts, history and more. This year’s celebration will look different, but will have all of the spirit and joy as years past.”
 
One exhibit will be a celebration of the State Fair’s Ride of Your Life Scholarship recipients. A 501c3 charity, the S.C. State Fair supports statewide education by awarding hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships annually to help students across South Carolina pursue their continued education at any public or private college, university or technical college in the state.
 
Follow along with exhibit details and a route map available online at scstatefair.org and via QR codes that will be accessible along the route. As you drive through the fair, enjoy a Spotify playlist of bands that have visited the S.C. State Fair over the years. 
 
The public is invited to share their favorite fair moments by sending them to favoritememory@scstatefair.org. Submit yours and view the shared photos on scstatefair.org/memories.
 
Don’t miss corn dogs, cotton candy and more available for purchase Oct. 20-24
Guests will not want to miss the opportunity to indulge in their fair food favorites this year. In a twist on the restaurant drive-through concept, guests will be able to drive into the Lexington Medical Center Fair Park on the fairgrounds to purchase Fiske fries, funnel cakes and more. With an anticipated high demand, the fair food vendors have extended the dates to Oct. 20 – 24, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
 
Guests will enter Gate 6 on George Rogers Boulevard, then wind through the parking lot until they reach six separate lines for fair food, all of which will have the same offerings, in an effort to keep the lines moving quickly and efficiently. The following fair food will be available:
·      Fiske fries
·      Corn dogs
·      Sausage sandwiches
·      Turkey Legs
·      Funnel cakes
·      Elephant ears
·      Cotton candy
·      Candy apples
·      Caramel corn
·      Pepsi brand 20 oz. bottled drinks and water
 
Plan ahead for Carolina Lights, downtown’s most popular drive-through holiday lights show
The second annual “Carolina Lights” drive-through lights show will take place Dec. 5 – 27, 2020, at the LMC Fair Park at the S.C. State Fairgrounds. Find details at www.scstatefair.org/carolina-lights.
 
About the South Carolina State Fair
The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. The South Carolina State Fair has awarded more than $4 million in scholarships since 1997.
 
More information can be found at https://www.scstatefair.org/.
Facebook: South Carolina State Fair | https://www.facebook.com/SCStateFair/
Hashtag: #SCStateFair
 
City Video HUB
COVID-19 INFORMATION
DHEC Updates Guidance on Testing Asymptomatic Persons for SARS-CoV-2
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental has updated its interim guidance on testing and isolation requirements following testing.
The update was made after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s September 18, 2020, update of guidance on testing for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including for those without symptoms of COVID-19.
“We continue to learn more about how COVID-19 affects South Carolina communities as it spreads across our state,” said Dr. Michael Kacka, DHEC physician and Chief Medical Officer. “It is critical to update guidance based on the latest information from the CDC and what is going on in our local communities to reduce spread and keep residents safe.”
  • Here are some key elements included in DHEC’s updated interim guidance:
  • Because there is a chance SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can be spread before symptoms appear or even when there are no symptoms, it is important for persons with symptoms AND those who are close contacts to people with COVID-19 to be tested because they are more likely to be infected with the virus. This is considered diagnostic testing.
  • It is also important to conduct screening of persons who are simply out and about in the community. If they have no symptoms or known close contact, they are less likely to be infected with the virus than persons with symptoms or known close contact but they still are at risk. This is why community screening is important.
  • DHEC recommends diagnostic testing as needed and screening testing at least monthly for most people in the community, particularly those who spend time around others. This should be a test that directly detects the virus through a sample of saliva or a swab of the nose or throat. Testing for antibodies in the blood is not recommended for this purpose.
  • Those who test positive do not need additional testing within the three months following the time symptoms began or when the sample was collected for testing. Repeat testing to end isolation or return to work or school is NOT recommended.
  • It is possible to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, feel well without symptoms, and yet be able to spread it. Recommendations regarding isolation and quarantine after testing vary depending on whether testing was done in response to symptoms or for screening purposes. Self-isolating at home after a screening test is not necessary for those without symptoms and not known to be a close contact to a case. However, they should continue preventive actions such as wearing a mask and avoid close contact with others until their test results are received. If the results are positive, the individual tested must complete isolation requirements and any close contacts identified beginning 48 hours before testing specimen was collected should be recommended to quarantine.
  • Those who are tested because they have symptoms of COVID-19 or believed to be at greater risk of being infected must self-isolate until their test results come back. They may stop self-isolating if negative but if positive must complete the recommended isolation period until no longer considered contagious. Those who are close contacts to someone with COVID-19 should be tested but must complete their full recommended quarantine period even if they test negative.
  • Children may have mild symptoms or none at all yet can transmit SARS-CoV-2. Testing children who are close contacts or who have symptoms is critical to prevent spread.
The need for testing, when to test, and when to isolate or quarantine depends on symptoms, timing of the test and whether there has been a known exposure to a COVID-19 case. 
Visit the DHEC website for more information on these updated guidelines
FOR ALL MASK ORDINANCE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PLEASE VISIT: Resilient.Columbiasc.gov
Columbia City Council

Stephen K. Benjamin
Mayor
Sam Davis
Councilman District I
Tameika Isaac Devine
Councilwoman At-Large
Howard E. Duvall, Jr.
Councilman At-Large
Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
Councilman District II
Daniel J. Rickenmann
Councilman District IV
Will Brennan
Councilman District III
Teresa Wilson
City Manager