City Council Passes Mask Ordinance Effective Date was June 26
Mayor Steve Benjamin and Columbia City Council passed a mask ordinance that requires facial coverings or masks shall be required in public places within the City to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus disease, known as COVID-19.

The ordinance was effective as of 6:00 a.m., Friday June 26, 2020.
DHEC Recommends Residents Stay Safer at Home for Fourth of July
More and more individuals who test positive participated in group gatherings  
As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recommends residents make safe, responsible plans for celebrating that include precautions for protecting against the spread of COVID-19. More and more of South Carolina’s positive cases are individuals who participated in group gatherings without keeping a safe distance from others or wearing masks.
The number of new positive cases in a day are the highest they’ve ever been, as is the number of people currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications, which is currently more than 1,000. A lack of social distancing and mask-wearing is contributing to the state’s escalating numbers.

“The virus is rapidly spreading across the state, with some of the largest increases in our coastal communities,” said Dr. Joan Duwve, DHEC Public Health Director. “We’ve all given so much for so long, and we all want to be at our beautiful beaches, at our parks, our friends’ houses, our block parties and community events but I’m asking all of us to stay vigilant in the fight against this deadly virus. While we celebrate our country’s birthday, please help your communities, especially those who are at increased risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. If we all pledge to wear our face masks, stay six feet apart, and wash our hands often, together we will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and save lives. That’s how we 'Stay SC Strong.’” 
Young people are increasingly testing positive for the virus as South Carolina has seen a 966% increase in newly reported cases among those aged 11 to 20 and 413% increase in those between 21-30.
DHEC supports the many local governments and event organizers who have chosen to cancel group activities across the state in order to protect their communities from the virus, and the agency recommends families instead celebrate the Fourth of July by planning home-based festivities and watching fireworks shows while remaining in their vehicles or tuning into celebrations virtually.

While shopping for groceries and other necessities, residents should wear a mask or cloth face covering, stay six feet away from others and immediately clean their hands with sanitizer or soap and water after arriving home. Individuals who are ill should stay home.
“In addition to the disheartening increases in young people transmitting the virus to their family and friends, new data indicate that asymptomatic people can spread the virus more easily than initially thought,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “If you’ve tested positive but don’t have symptoms, it’s imperative that you complete your quarantine period in order to not spread the virus to others while you’re contagious.”

Several local governments in the state have begun requiring face masks for anyone in public. Residents and businesses should be mindful of these and any other local policies currently in place for protecting communities from further spread.
For the latest COVID-19 updates, visit  www.scdhec.gov/COVID19.
Messages from Columbia City Council Members
Watch the three videos below from Councilman Duvall, Councilwoman Devine, and Mayor Steve Benjamin about COVID-19 updates, and ways you can help stay healthy and safe!
City of Columbia Distributes Masks to Citizens
#MaskUpColumbia
 
The City of Columbia began providing masks to citizens at several locations throughout the City on June 26.
 
Businesses are responsible for providing masks to their employees, and/or customers and clients if they choose. Issuance of masks are available to those considered to be at high risk based on CDC guidance and those in vulnerable populations within the City limits.
 
Citizens are able to receive up to two masks per person or five masks per family. Masks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis at one of the designated City of Columbia distribution sites. For information on locations and times of operation please visit the Resilient Columbia microsite at https://resilient.columbiasc.gov
 
Masks are available while supplies last. Citizens that have the ability to purchase their own masks are encouraged to do so. Citizens can make their own masks by following the CDC’s guidance on making cloth face coverings and can find additional information by visiting the following CDC website.
 
 
The distribution of masks began on Monday, June 29, 2020 and will end on Friday, July 10, 2020. Please review below the identified sites, dates and times for the mask distribution schedule.
 
Identified Sites:  Busby Street Community Center
                            1735 Busby Street
                            
                            Hampton Park Neighborhood Center
                            1117 Brandon Avenue
 
                            S. Edisto Neighborhood Center
                            1914 Wiley Street
 
                            Earlewood Community Center
                            1113 Recreation Drive
 
 
Distribution Schedule
July 2, 2020
THURSDAY
         Busby Street Community Center         9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         Hampton Park Neighborhood Center   9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         S. Edisto Neighborhood Center           1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
         Earlewood Community Center            1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 
 
July 6, 2020
MONDAY
         Busby Street Community Center         9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         Hampton Park Neighborhood Center   9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         S. Edisto Neighborhood Center           1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
         Earlewood Community Center            1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 
July 8, 2020
WEDNESDAY
         Busby Street Community Center         9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         Hampton Park Neighborhood Center   9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         S. Edisto Neighborhood Center           1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
         Earlewood Community Center            1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
 
July 10, 2020
FRIDAY
         Busby Street Community Center         9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         Hampton Park Neighborhood Center   9:00 am – 12:00 pm
         S. Edisto Neighborhood Center           1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
         Earlewood Community Center            1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
A Resilient Columbia Message from Mayor Steve Benjamin
CRFD Encourages Citizens to Recreate Safely During
July 4 th Holiday
Exercise caution while grilling and using fireworks

With the threat of COVID-19 still strong across the state of South Carolina, many residents will be turning to the July 4 th weekend for fun and some feeling of normalcy this year.
However, the fire department once again wants to remind residents that any holiday celebration can be ruined if safety guidelines are ignored. This is especially the case during the Independence Day holiday when many citizens are expected to use consumer fireworks.

“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy the holiday with their close family and loved ones,” said Columbia-Richland Fire Chief Aubrey D. Jenkins, “If using fireworks is part of your recipe for a great party feel free to use them. At the same time we ask everyone to realize that there is responsibility that comes with each firework you set off. It doesn’t matter how small your get together is the event could be ruined if fireworks are handled in an unsafe manner.”
According to the National Fire Protection Association fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires over the course of 2018. During that same year 9,100 people were treated for fireworks-related injuries in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.
CRFD is encouraging everyone to put safety first when using any fireworks by following these safety tips. 
  • Attend a professional show instead of holding your own.
  • Always read and follow directions on each firework.
  • Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
  • Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
  • Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
  • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
  • Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.
  • Never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
  • Adults should always handle fireworks and not children.

Also, if your plans for the July 4 th holiday include a cookout, please keep these tips in mind for outdoor grilling:

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills should only be used outdoors.
  • The grill should be placed at least 10 feet away from the home, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.
  • Keep your grill clean by removing grease or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill.
  • Never leave your grill unattended.
  •  Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it.
 
For charcoal grills:
 
  • There are several ways to get the charcoal ready to use. Charcoal chimney starters allow you to start the charcoal using newspaper as a fuel.
  •  If you use a starter fluid, use only charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire
  • Keep charcoal fluid out of the reach of children and away from heat sources.

  • There are also electric charcoal starters, which do not use fire. Be sure to use an extension cord for outdoor use.
  • When you are finished grilling, let the coals completely cool before disposing in a metal container.

CRFD members are making themselves available for interviews related to fireworks and other safety tips ahead of July 4 th .
To schedule an interview please contact PIO Mike DeSumma at (803)413-8555 or by sending an email to m ichael.desumma@columbiasc.gov
City’s Pet of the Week: Fiffy! (ID# A262927)
 
At 10 months of age, Fiffy is still technically a kitten but she seems to have matured early for her age. She is friendly and affectionate though shy and reserved at first. Expect her to hide the first couple of days while she figures things out but she will be delighted if you come and talk to her! She thrives in soothing conversations, head scratches and strokes. She has lived with other cats and adjusts quickly to them but we suspect that a quieter home would make her happiest. Come out and meet our pretty girl!
 
This loving “furbaby” has already been spayed, micro-chipped, and is currently ready to meet her “furever” family.
 
Visit other pets available for adoption at the Columbia Animal Shelter, 127 Humane Lane. Visit www.columbiasc.net/animal-services or call 803-776-PETS for more information.
 
All of our pets need loving homes! To view other animals available for adoption, visit Petfinder.com Please refer to the ID number listed above when visiting the website.
Follow these easy steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

 1.        Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

2.        If soap and warm water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

3.        Clean surfaces frequently with disinfecting supplies (telephones, keyboards, copiers, printers, desks, etc.)

4.        Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other individuals

5.        Do no gather in crowds and groups.
6.        Maximize social distancing among co-workers and the public.

Remember, Safety Starts with an “S” but it begins with “YOU”.
Let’s continue to unite and fight the spread of the Coronavirus. 
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