City Council
Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 2:00 PM
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Come Pick Your Pumpkin Pet Adoption
WHAT: City of Columbia Animal Services Pick Your Pumpkin Pet Adoption. All adoptions are $13
WHO: The City of Columbia Animal Services
WHEN: October 26th – 30th
WHERE: 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209
Note: Due to COVID-19, Columbia Animal Services is operating at a maximum capacity of three people at once; if you are planning on attending this event, be prepared to wait in a line. Face masks or face coverings are required for entry. To view pets available for adoption, visit https://https://www.columbiasc.net/animal-services/adoption
See the attached flyer for more details.
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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.
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City’s Pet of the Week: Paragon! (ID# A265825)
Paragon is our adoptable pet of the week! This handsome meathead is approximately 3 years old but has no idea he’s a big boy! He is very good natured but please use common sense when it comes to little things (toy breeds, cats, toddlers…) At 70 lbs he can easily squish anything not very sturdy. He has done well with other large dogs and he loves everyone he meets!
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 https://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.
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DHEC Reminds South Carolinians to Celebrate Safely this Halloween
Although Halloween may look different this year, there are still ways for South Carolinians to celebrate while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading COVID-19. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recommends outdoor, no-contact events that are low-risk for disease transmission.
Drive-through events, one-directional haunted trails, outdoor pumpkin patches and creative methods for handing out candy can be safe alternatives for celebrating.
“This isn’t the year for traditional trick-or-treating, haunted houses and costume parties,” said Dr. Michael Kacka, DHEC Physician and Chief Medical Officer. “COVID-19 continues to have a high prevalence across our state, and many traditional Halloween activities unfortunately are high-risk activities since they include close person-to-person contact and interaction with people outside of your household.”
To avoid a post-holiday spike in COVID-19 cases, which can result in an increase in hospitalizations and even deaths, DHEC asks residents to take Halloween celebrations seriously this year and remember that disease prevention methods don’t just protect you, they protect others in your community who may experience severe complications if they contract the virus.
View DHEC’s COVID-19 Halloween safety tips at scdhec.gov/holidaytips.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides Halloween guidance as well as activity risk levels here.
DHEC recommends that anyone who’s regularly out in the community to get tested for COVID-19 at least once a month, and anyone who chooses to take part in a social activity like Halloween celebrations should get tested afterward and also monitor for symptoms.
“Testing for COVID-19 has never been easier or more accessible in South Carolina,” said Dr. Kacka. “There are 450 testing opportunities across the state, including more than 300 permanent sites and more than 130 mobile testing events, and results are provided in a matter of days. We encourage anyone who wants to get tested, to get tested, so they know their health status in regard to COVID-19, since asymptomatic people can and do spread the disease.”
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CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield Joins Governor Henry McMaster, DHEC and State Officials to Discuss the Community Impacts of COVID-19
During a visit from the nation's top public health official today, national and state leaders discussed the short- and long-term impacts of COVID-19 on South Carolina communities, including opioid use, chronic diseases and mental health.
Centers for Disease Control Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, Governor Henry McMaster, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), state officials and others stressed the need to address indirect health effects of COVID-19 during a roundtable discussion.
“Team South Carolina and the CDC are united in the fight against the physical and mental health problems created by COVID-19,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “We will continue to provide resources and tools South Carolinians need to get through these challenging times, and I call on all South Carolinians to do their part in checking on loved ones who may be experiencing hardships.”
“COVID-19 has shown a far-reaching impact on the health of our communities, not only from the disease itself but from its impacts on our physical and mental health,” said Interim Director of Public Health Dr. Brannon Traxler. “To protect the health and safety of all South Carolinians requires a broad response from many partners on many levels, and we’re committed to such a response.”
As the fight against COVID-19 continues and the flu season and holidays approach, South Carolinians are reminded to stay as healthy as possible – physically, mentally and emotionally.
“It’s important to continue taking this pandemic seriously,” said CDC Director Dr. Redfield. “Please continue to be smart about crowds, particularly indoors. Continue to wear a face mask. And continue to wash your hands. Also, as people spend more time indoors in the fall and winter, the risk of flu and COVID-19 will rise. We can help take flu out of that equation. I urge the American public to embrace flu vaccination with confidence.”
In South Carolina, many of those who have died due to COVID-19 also had one or more other conditions: 60.4 percent also had cardiovascular disease, 34.6 percent had diabetes, 30.9 percent had a neurologic or intellectual disability, 22.7 percent had COPD, 21.2 percent had kidney disease, 13 percent had congestive heart failure and 12.3 percent had a previous stroke.
“We know that people with limited access to care and who are affected by conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell. “This is particularly true for our communities of color and older populations. That’s why it’s critical for all of us to do our part to help each other stay healthy and strong by keeping up to date on our medications, wellness visits and vaccinations like the flu shot.”
The impact of COVID-19 on mental health and opioid abuse was also discussed during the roundtable. Earlier this year, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) and South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS) launched a statewide support line for those in need of mental health or substance use services.
“The Department of Mental Health recognizes that the pandemic has caused increased stress for individuals and families,” said DMH State Director Dr. Kenneth M. Rogers. “In addition to mental health centers that provide services in all South Carolina counties, including in-person and telehealth visits, we have a statewide hotline available at 1-844-SC-HOPES (724-6737). The hotline connects callers to trained clinicians who can address their specific needs.”
Another challenge of COVID-19’s burden on emotional and mental health is an increase in opioid overdoses. Suspected opioid overdoses are 50 percent higher from January to August this year when compared to the same time period in 2019. DHEC, DAODAS and DMH are working together with local police and fire departments to train responders to recognize the signs of opioid abuse and help prevent opioid deaths.
“As South Carolinians grapple with the stressors accompanying COVID-19, we are seeing increased use of all substances, including alcohol," said DAODAS Director Sara Goldsby. "Coordination between state and local agencies has been critical to ensuring that services for these individuals remain safe and accessible. Such continuity of care and connection to help are extremely important for families struggling through these crises."
In addition to taking the daily precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19, South Carolinians are encouraged to help protect their mental and emotional health by:
- Taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories and social media. Hearing about COVID-19 or other stress-inducing issues repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Eat healthy, well-balanced meals; exercise regularly; get plenty of sleep; and avoid alcohol and drugs.
- Make time to unwind and participate in fun or relaxing activities. Connect with others. Talk with family and friends.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. It’s OK to need assistance to stay mentally healthy.
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“This may be the most important flu shot of your life”; DHEC Officials Stress Importance of Flu Vaccines Amid COVID-19
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) joins state and national partners in emphasizing how critical it is for individuals to stay as healthy as possible during this global pandemic. One such action is getting your flu shot.
"This year, this may be the most important flu shot of your life,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim DHEC Public Health Director. “We’re experiencing the worst public health crisis in 100 years, and it’s never been more important for each and every one of us to stay as healthy as possible. We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the essential workers and first responders who are tirelessly dedicated in their service to the public as we all endure this pandemic together.”
Contracting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time is possible and could likely cause more complications than if the flu were the sole infection. The quadrivalent flu vaccine that’s currently available this year protects against the four most common different flu viruses that are expected to circulate this flu season. Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and do not cause the flu.
“Vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions in history for reducing disease spread and preventing complications and deaths from vaccine-preventable diseases,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “So many generations before us would have given anything to have a flu vaccine. With COVID-19’s prevalence across our state, we must use the vaccines that medical science has afforded us to help prevent illness like the flu.”
DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months of age and older get vaccinated. Preventing the flu is particularly important for people who are at increased risk of complications from the virus, including young children, adults aged 50 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions.
Receiving your flu shot reduces your chances of contracting the flu, and, if contracted, lessens hospitalizations and deaths due to influenza.
COVID-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms, and they are both serious and potentially deadly diseases. However, it’s important to understand that COVID-19 is causing significantly more hospitalizations and deaths in South Carolina and across the country. When comparing COVID-19 and the flu:
- Over the past decade, an average of 36,000 deaths per year in the United States are attributed to flu. The current total of deaths due to COVID-19 is 209,000 nationally.
- In South Carolina, over the past six years, there have been an average of 140 flu deaths each year. From March 1-October 7 this year, there have been 3,530 COVID-19 deaths in the state.
- Compared to the top causes of death in South Carolina in 2018, COVID-19 would be the third-leading cause of death in South Carolina, ahead of accidents (3,368) and behind heart disease (10,460) and cancer (10,360).
“Another reason why it’s so important to get your flu shot this year is we don’t want to overwhelm our hospitals, ICUs, and ventilators with both flu and COVID-19 patients,” Traxler said.
Flu shots are available at multiple locations across the state, including certain DHEC public health offices, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors’ offices and other locations. To see if your local DHEC public health office offers the flu shot and to schedule an appointment, click here or call 855-472-3432 to schedule an appointment.
Learn more about the flu and see a flu vaccine announcements featuring Dr. Bell and Dr. Traxler at scdhec.gov/flu. For the latest COVID-19 information, visit scdhec.gov/COVID19.
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Mayor Benjamin Receives Flu Vaccination at City Hall to Encourage Columbia Residents to Protect Themselves for the Upcoming Flu Season
On Friday, October 2, 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.
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City Video Hub
Find in-depth perspectives from news, updates, and recent events in the City of Columbia.
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City Council
Virtual Meeting
Tuesday, October 20, 2020 2:00 PM
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Voter Safety Press Conference
Mayor Steve Benjamin held an important press conference on Monday, October 19 at 2:00 pm at the Richland County Court House to discuss the rights for all voters to cast their ballots in a safe atmosphere at polling stations on National Election Day, November 3. Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Columbia Police Chief William Holbrook and 5th Circuit Solicitor Byron Gipson will speak on the importance for all voters to have safe access to polling stations, with the ability to cast their votes in an atmosphere free from intimidation or threats.
“The ability for all citizens to safely participate in our election process, and the right to choose their elected representatives, is the bedrock of our American system of government and our Constitution. As such, all state and local officials must ensure that safeguards are in place to protect the rights of Americans to cast their ballots in safety,” said Mayor Steve Benjamin. “For this reason, we want to let every voter know what steps they can take to ensure their safety when waiting to cast their ballots, and how to report and ask for support if threatening situations occur at polling stations.
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Mayor Benjamin Flu Shot PSA |
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Mayor Benjamin Flu Shot Press Conference |
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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.
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For more information please visit
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Stephen K. Benjamin
Mayor
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Sam Davis
Councilman District I
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Tameika Isaac Devine
Councilwoman At-Large
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Howard E. Duvall, Jr.
Councilman At-Large
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Edward H. McDowell, Jr.
Councilman District II
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Daniel J. Rickenmann
Councilman District IV
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Will Brennan
Councilman District III
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Teresa Wilson
City Manager
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