COMET to require riders to wear masks

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Beginning Monday, COMET riders will be required to wear masks or face coverings.

The Central Midlands Transit agency said in a news release that the move comes in response to a surge in COVID-19 cases. South Carolina has a reported 15,579 cases as of Wednesday, when 528 new cases were announced. Sixty-six of those new cases were reported in Richland County.

“We made this decision with the safety of our riders in mind,” John Andoh, COMET executive director, said in the release. “The pandemic is still ongoing, but so is the need for our riders to get to their essential destinations safely.”

The COMET will offer masks to bus passengers who do not have one prior to boarding. Face coverings also must be worn to access COMET facilities.

The organization will provide masks until July 31 or until supplies are depleted, according to the release. Medical accommodations may be requested by calling 803-255-7133.

“We were fortunate to be able to secure a limited supply of masks,” Andoh said. “This was important because we understand that people need time to adjust to this new policy, so we are providing masks for a period of time to help out.”