Be aware if you are driving from Lexington County into Columbia.

Columbia City Council approved a shelter-in-place order last Thursday.

The order requires residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.

Those caught violating the order may be ticketed and fined up to $500.

The “stay home, stay safe” ordinance prohibits individuals from traveling through or congregating in the streets, or in public places in the City of Columbia because of the corona virus threat.

City of Cayce Council Members voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution calling for Gov. Henry Mc-Master to immediately issue a state-wide mandatory shelter-in-place order.

SC Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued an opinion that municipalities do not have the authority to issue a shelter-in-place order.

Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin disagreed, and will not walk back Columbia’s order.

The ordinance went into effect at 12:01 am Sunday. Residents are required to avoid public streets, sidewalks, public places and businesses, unless the business conducts an “essential service.”

Essential services include food services and groceries, public transportation, manufacturing operations, the news media, and financial institutions, including banks.

Dry cleaners, real estate brokers, plumbers and electricians are also exempted.