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As increasing numbers of positive cases of the coronavirus are identified globally, South Carolina officials are responding. On Sunday South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced the temporary closure of schools across the state after nine new cases of COVID-19 were identified earlier in the week. Starting on Monday the 16th schools were shut down and will remain closed until the end of March, until further notice. The decision by McMaster applies to public schools across the state, and efforts by transportation officials have begun to supply materials to children in remote areas for online classes.
Several schools throughout the state have responded to closures by implementing free meals for students, offering “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch on weekdays. Th at eight designated schools. Breakfasts and lunches will be available for pick-up from 8:30-10:30 a.m. and from 12:30-2:30 p.m. respectively at school locations in Columbia, Eastover, and Hopkins.
In addition to shutting down schools, the governor requested that all public gatherings in South Carolina be limited to under 100 people following advice from health organizations to limit the number of people in one location. As of Monday evening the total number of statewide cases testing positive for the coronavirus has reached 33.
For continued updates on closures and safety information, visit the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Center for Disease Control.