COLUMBIA, S.C. — The city of Columbia will impose a citywide night curfew as the area responds to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
The city council approved the new rule Tuesday at a meeting. The restrictions will begin Wednesday night and will be in effect from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine said the goal is to get people to stop congregating late at night to stop the spread of the disease.
The decision comes about an hour after the first coronavirus case in Richland County was confirmed by state health officials.
There will be some exemptions, such people going to work, seeking medical treatment, or a public safety emergency. The curfew could be lifted at any time by the mayor and the council but would automatically expire after 61 days.
People who are stopped will be asked to go inside or home. If they don't, they could face a fine.
On Monday the city approved a state of emergency ordinance that would allow the city to take a range of actions, including a possible curfew. The city hasn't used a citywide curfew since the flood of October 2015.
Visit WCNC for more details.