As the coronavirus pandemic continues across the country, we understand everyone has different comfort levels – especially when it comes to traveling. The Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) reported that the number of travelers through the airport in the first five months of 2020, compared to the first five months of 2019, was down approx. 50%. However, these numbers are beginning to pick back up now that most non-stop destinations are available again.
Since the start of the pandemic, CAE has announced new safety measures it has implemented to help keep travelers safe. |
|
Columbia Metropolitan Airport | Photo via @flycae
|
What changes will you see in the terminals?
○ More frequent sanitizing of public seating areas and high touch areas, such as handrails, escalators and elevator buttons.
○ More frequent and deeper cleaning of restrooms every two hours, and every hour when airport traffic increases.
○ Hand sanitizing stations are now located before and after the security checkpoint, through the terminal + at departure gates.
○ Free face masks are offered to every traveler + are available at the information desk and the TSA checkpoint while supplies last.
○ Shields have been installed at check-in desks and the TSA checkpoint.
○ Markers have been installed in retail stores and at the security checkpoint to promote social distancing.
○ Temporarily closed and reduced hours for food services and retail spots throughout the airport + sanitizing card readers after each use.
What about the airlines?
○ American Airlines, Delta Air Lines + United Airlines fly with CAE and each now requires flyers to wear masks onboard. The airlines will provide one for free to those who don’t have a face covering.
○ Delta Air Lines is limiting the capacity on each of their flights, dependent on plane size, and blocking off middle seats. Flights will also be boarded from back to front.
○ United Airlines is allowing customers to change flights that are expected to be fairly full without a fee. Flights will also be boarded from back to front + travelers will be required to acknowledge they don’t have COVID-19 symptoms.
○ American Airlines is limiting food and drink service on flights, dependent on flight length. |
| |
| Where is your dream vacation? |
|
|
|
| |
| Dream big: if you could fly anywhere (in a pre-pandemic world), where would it be? |
|
|
|
|
Coronavirus
|
|
○ South Carolina State Parks announced yesterday that masks are mandatory for all guests over the age of two in public spaces or where park employees are located, including all offices, visitor centers, restrooms + stores. (The State)
○ Lexington-Richland 5 School District is planning to reopen on schedule with students returning on August 19. In addition to social distancing and frequent hand washing, bus schedules will need to be altered + guidelines put in place if students or teachers develop symptoms. (The State)
○ The state of New York issued an emergency health order stating that any travelers from high COVID-19 states, including South Carolina, must provide their contact information + quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or receive a $2,000 fine. (WLTX)
○ A new study, using geotagged Twitter data by Survival At Home, indicates that SC ranks eighth of states where people are refusing to wear a face mask or defying mask ordinances. The study has tracked Twitter data where anti-mask tweets and hashtags have been used over the past 30 days. (WIS)
Click the button below for local resources regarding the coronavirus.
|
|
Hey, there. Looking for today’s #MustDo events? In accordance with the
CDC’s recommendations regarding public gatherings, we have decided to postpone public event coverage for the time being. We look forward to bringing you Columbia’s #MustDo events soon (until then, feel free to submit your virtual events
here).
|
|
#COLAtoday
|
|
|
We’re sending a big “Happy Anniversary” over to Village Idiot in Five Points. This month marks 30 years that the restaurant has been dishing up pies to our local community from its address on Devine St. Although this location is currently closed, you can still get your pizza fix + spread the anniversary wishes at Village’s Forest Acres and Olympia locations.
Pro tip: the Buffalo Chicken with a ranch swirl is a must-try. 🤤 |
|
#DYK that your photo could be featured in our newsletter? Just use #COLAtoday on social media.
|
|
News Notes
|
|
|
Weather
○ 95º | Mostly sunny | 10% chance of rain
Regional
○ On Monday, Dominion Energy announced plans for a proposed rate increase for customers. According to the plan, increased rates would take effect in March 2021. While the increase has been planned for a while, it couldn’t be filed for until this summer due to agreements when Dominion acquired SCE&G. The increase amount has not yet been announced. (The State)
Cause
○ After his protest sign went viral last month, UofSC quarterback Jay Urich has used the social media attention to start Original Design – a foundation aimed at providing resources and opportunities for kids ages 10-12. Donations to the nonprofit have been approved by the NCAA + will come, in part, from the sale of t-shirts with “Matter is the minimum” printed on them. Check out the t-shirts here. (Post and Courier)
Watch
○ Here’s how to create the perfect charcuterie board, demonstrated by Gourmet Shop’s cheesemonger on Devine District’s dreamy Sky Lounge rooftop. You’re welcome. 🧀🍷 Ⓟ
TodayIs
○ Tax Day. Today is the deadline to submit individual income tax returns to the federal government. To make the day a little less taxing, check out Money Crashers' list of helpful + free options to use when dealing with your taxes. You can also find local H&R Block locations via this map. If you’re in need of an extension, you can request one through the IRS (however, any money that is owed must still be paid by July 15).
Gallery
○ Things that make us happy: Baseball, beers, Baby Yoda, and these photos from past Star Wars Nights with the Columbia Fireflies. Ⓟ
Apply
○ Many City of Columbia boards and commissions are hiring for open positions, including the Board of Zoning Appeals, Design/Development Review Commission, Planning Commission + more. Applications are due July 20. Find more information and applications here. (Midlands Biz)
List
○ Forbes recently named AllSouth on its list of 2020 America’s Best Credit Unions in South Carolina. Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey ~25,000 customers in the U.S. about their opinions on their current + former banking relationships. Of the 5,236 credit unions nationwide, just 3.5% made the list. See the full list. Ⓟ
TheBuy
○ The Bed by Thuma ($695+), the platform bed frame crafted to elevate any bedroom. Made from eco-friendly materials, The Bed is proven to withstand any + all bedtime activities, is assembled in minutes, and is backed by a lifetime warranty. Shop here. Ⓟ
FeaturedJob
○ Midlands Reading Consortium (MRC), a volunteer tutoring initiative targeting pre-kindergarten through second-grade students that aren't reading on grade level, is seeking School Liaisons to enroll students in one-to-one reading engagement sessions + promote literacy through general outreach and community engagement. Learn more about the opportunity and how to apply here. Ⓟ
|
|
TheKnow
|
|
|
|
Exterior of 2001 Greene St. D, formerly Cellar on Greene, now available for lease | Photo provided by Trinity Partners
|
ICYMI, local restaurant + wine shop Cellar on Greene closed in May of last year. Its multi-level 2001 Greene St. D location in Five Points – adjacent to Mr. Friendly’s and below the newly-renovated Claussen’s boutique apartments – is now available for lease through local commercial real estate firm Trinity Partners.
With such a prime location available for lease, we took to Instagram to ask you to #BeTheBroker and let us know what you want to see move into this space, with bonus points for tagging the business in your comment. (Because remember that time y’all basically recruited Home Team BBQ to the former Harper’s space?)
|
|
Interior of 2001 Greene St. D, formerly Cellar on Greene | Photo provided by Trinity Partners
|
First off, here’s what the professionals have to say about what could go into the space:
Cellar on Greene is “sorely missed by locals and visitors alike,” notes Trinity Partners Senior Brokerage Associate William Mills. “A similar dining concept would likely thrive at this location & complement the adjacent tenant, Mr. Friendly’s Southern Café. The space has a second floor suitable for private parties + features high ceilings in a large portion of the downstairs, giving it that extra edge for an establishment looking for a practical yet distinctive location to create an unforgettable atmosphere.”
And several of you agreed that a similar concept would be a great fit. From a bookstore to another wine bar to a cafe, click the button below to see your answers. Ⓟ
|
|
#Shareworthy
|
|
|
|
The Wrap
|
|
|
🔄 Catch up on any newsletters you may have missed here.
💭 Say Hello: What do you want to know about your city?
✏️️ Want to write an article for us? Find out how here.
👀 Want your business featured in our newsletter? Learn more about advertising opportunities here. |
|
Did a friend forward this to you?
|
| It can be in your inbox tomorrow a.m. |
|
|
|
@COLAtoday
|
Follow us.
|
#COLAtoday
|
|
|
|
| Let us know if we've missed anything and say hello@colatoday.com
|
|
Disclaimer: Content marked with a Ⓟ is representative of our advertising partners.
|
Want to receive COLAtoday once a week instead? Update your preferences here.
Never want to hear from us again? Break our hearts by unsubscribing here.
Copyright © 6AM City, LLC, all rights reserved. Legal.
Greenville, SC 29602
|
|
