Manning sets curfew, residents abiding by rules

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MANNING - Manning residents and visitors are now under a curfew that began April 2 as an effort to limit exposure to COVID-19.

Manning City Council declared a State of Emergency within the city, which gave it the authority to impose the curfew that will be in effect from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. with the exceptions of individuals traveling to and from work and those who are seeking health care.

"The health and well-being of the residents, visitors and staff is our top priority," Manning Mayor Julia A. Nelson said when issuing the declaration. "We are actively monitoring updates regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are following precautions and guidelines provided by the CDC and federal, state and local officials."

The declaration also exempts police officers, firefighters, active-duty military personnel and health care providers as well as public works and utility workers employed by any public utility which includes city, county, state and others.

Manning's police department remains open; however, it is closed to the public. The police department can be reached at (803) 435-8859, or in cases of emergency, individuals are asked to call 911.

Manning Police Chief Keith Grice said that town residents are abiding by the state's social distancing guidelines.

"I haven't seen any crowds," Grice added. "Our residents are continuing to follow the instructions given by the governor and health professionals. I know that many of them are getting bored staying indoors and away from friends and family, but I'm asking them to continue to follow the orders. By working together, we'll get through this."

Manning City Hall is accessible by telephone from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at (803) 435-8477. City hall is closed on Fridays until further notice.

Utility customers can pay their water bills online, or they can leave their payments in the city's night deposit box. If customers decide to pay with cash, the city is asking them to submit the exact amount. Any overpayments will be applied as an account credit.

While trash pickup will continue on a normal schedule, other sanitation and utility services will operate on a modified schedule. Debris pickup will be done on Mondays and Wednesdays until further notice. To ensure that your debris is picked up, please put your debris on the curbside by 7 a.m. on Mondays.

Until further notice, all Manning's city parks are closed.