Coronavirus (COVID-19) Info

Gov. Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. Click the links below for COVID-19 news and updates from South Carolina and around the nation.

Most Richland County Government meetings and events remain open to the public on a virtual basis.

Face mask info: Richland County's face mask ordinance requires most people over the age of 10 to wear face coverings while in public. Learn more.

Helpful Resources

In South Carolina and nationally: 

• The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have valuable information on state and national issues related to COVID-19, along with updates on monitoring and testing, frequently asked questions and more.
• Palmetto Priority: A formal commitment by S.C. restaurateurs to provide a clean and safe environment for their staff and customers to demonstrate the extensive precautions they are taking to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• U.S. Wage and Hour Division's Twitter feed: The division, an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor, promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards.
• Spanish tweet on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA)
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In Richland County:

• Coronavirus Resources webpage: Find mapping tools and other resources from County departments as well as federal, state and local agencies on this page created by Richland County GIS.
• Accessing services and conducting business: See updated contact info for various divisions and departments.
• Make payments online: Pay vehicle taxes, real estate taxes, parking fees and more.
• Richland County Courts and Judicial System: Find updated schedules and contact information.
• Richland County employees: Telehealth medicine options for COVID-19
   

More info of interest:

• Columbia Museum of Art: Safety updates and FAQs
• The COMET: What's new (COVID-19 updates)
• Richland Library: Available services, safety measures
• South Carolina State Museum: COVID-19 Collections Donations

Recent News

March 2021

• Richland Library Announces Partnership with 3 Richland County Councilmembers (Monday, 3/1)

January 2021

• Councilman Pugh to Host COVID-19 Testing and Mask Giveaway Events (Tuesday, 1/26)
• County Encourages Use of Prisma Health Drive-Thru COVID-19 Site (Friday, 1/22) 
• Councilwoman Organizing Sign-up Event for COVID-19 Vaccine (Friday, 1/15)
• County Officials Join Other Community Leaders to Discuss COVID Vaccine Rollout (Thursday, 1/14)

December 2020

• In Wake of Postal Delays, County Treasurer Urges Use of Other Payment Options (Wednesday, 12/23)

November 2020

• Councilwomen Myers, Newton to Give Away Masks in Southeast Richland on Fridays (Thursday, 11/12)
• Councilwoman Newton to Help Distribute Masks in Lower Richland (Tuesday, 11/3)

October 2020

• Richland County Adds Mask Distribution Events on Fridays (Monday, 10/5)
• Prisma Health and Richland County work together to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the homeless population (Thursday, 10/1)

September 2020

• Councilperson Terracio to Help Distribute Masks in Five Points (Monday, 9/28)
• County Councilwoman McBride to Distribute Masks at Census Event (Wednesday, 9/23)
• Councilwoman Dickerson to Distribute Free Masks to Residents (Monday, 9/14)
• County Council Extends Mask Ordinance (Tuesday, 9/1)

County Council Discusses COVID-19

• Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee (Thursday, 2/25/21)
• Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee (Tuesday, 7/28/20)
• Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee (Tuesday, 5/19/20)
• Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee (Tuesday, 5/12/20)
• Richland County Coronavirus Ad Hoc Committee (Thursday, 4/16/20)
• Special Called Meeting regarding the County's response to COVID-19 (Tuesday, 3/31/20)