Local COVID-19 Update – THE LATEST INFORMATION

A spokesman for Clemson University says an individual who was in self-quarantine for the possibility of COVID-19, has tested negative for the virus. There are no plans at this time to close the university.

Officials with the City of Seneca want said that the Race for the Green event on Saturday has been postponed and a new date will be announced soon. Out of an abundance of caution City Hall was temporarily closed Thursday afternoon in order to deep clean and sanitize the facility, to help prevent the spread of the virus in our community, but will re-open as of 8:00 am this Friday morning.

Scott Krein, Director of Emergency Services for Oconee County, offered some tips to 94.1 The Lake’s listeners, to help prevent the spread of the virus…

Oconee County Government said that for those county taxpayers who want to further protect themselves from the flu, COVID-19 or any other illnesses going around, that you can transact business online with the Oconee County Tax Center. Just visit their website, OconeeSC.com and find the appropriate link for the services you require.

Area nursing homes and assisted living facilities are stopping visitors from coming to see residents as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several of the virus-related deaths in the U.S. have been elderly persons confined to nursing homes. Hospitals in Georgia are restricting access to visitors and implementing standard screening for the virus.

Southern Wesleyan University has made the decision to temporarily move on-campus courses online beginning Thursday, March 19, in response to the spread of COVID-19. On-Campus courses scheduled for Monday, March 16 through Wednesday, March 18 will be postponed. Southern Wesleyan University encourages students who wish to remain at home to do so as we seek to reduce the density of the campus population. Also, out of caution, Girl Scouts of South Carolina-Mountains to Midlands is postponing Women of Distinction: Midlands, scheduled for Thursday, March 19.

94.1 The Lake sat down today with Jennifer Dodd, Public Information Officer for the School District of Oconee County, who wanted to answer some frequently asked questions that have been posed regarding the schools, staff, students and parents. You can read those FAQs here. We also spoke with Oconee County EMA Director Scott Krein, who offered some tips to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The office of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who was due at a meet and greet in Seneca on St. Patrick’s Day, released a statement this afternoon:

“Senator Graham was at Mar-a-Lago last weekend. He has no recollection of direct contact with the President of Brazil, who is awaiting results of a coronavirus test, or his spokesman who tested positive.

“However, in an abundance of caution and upon the advice of his doctor, Senator Graham has decided to self-quarantine awaiting the results of a coronavirus test.

“This is a precautionary measure. He will continue to work from home.”