With the rise of the Delta variant of COVID-19, Mayor Steve Benjamin declared a state of emergency for Columbia yesterday. The emergency order will require students ages 2-14, all faculty, and staff to wear face masks in 43 public + private schools and daycares in the City of Columbia.

"Be it further ordained and imposed that facial coverings shall be required by all faculty, staff, children over the age of two (2), and visitors, in all buildings at public and private schools or daycares whose purpose is to educate and/or care for children between the ages of two (2) and fourteen (14) to slow the spread of the novel Coronavirus and the disease COVID-19 within the City limits as follows."

The Columbia City Council will be meeting today at 10 a.m. to vote on this order. If the ordinance passes, it will be in effect for 60 days.

Children under the age of 12 are not yet approved or allowed to get vaccinated. With children going back to school in a few weeks, Mayor Benjamin said he is determined to protect the “health, life, and safety” of children + health professionals.

He spoke to superintendents in Richland School District 1`, Richland School District 2, and the SC Attorney General. The City Fire Marshall will enforce the new mandate, and those who violate, can be fined $100. Mayor Benjamin will monitor the situation after 60 days.

He encourages everyones to rally together and get vaccinated. Visit the SCDHEC website for more information on where to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Watch the full state of emergency announcement here.