As COVID-19 continues to spread in South Carolina, the city of Clemson is putting residents and visitors under a voluntary curfew beginning Friday.

The city is urging all citizens and visitors to observe the curfew from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. each day, with a handful of exceptions.

Emergency responders, active duty military, healthcare providers, public works and utility workers employed by any public utility or by the city of Clemson, Pickens County, the state of South Carolina or the federal government will all be exempt from the curfew, as well as authorized city of Clemson employees and officials performing city work.

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Additionally, anyone needing immediate medical assistance will be allowed to travel to healthcare providers during the voluntary curfew.

Council unanimously approved the implementation of the curfew in an emergency meeting held Thursday afternoon.

Council member Alesia Smith asked why the curfew wasn't proposed as mandatory. Member John Ducworth said he thinks the voluntary curfew would provide a transition period, should a mandatory curfew be necessary later.

The council will have a mandatory curfew written and ready to go, in case there is a need to upgrade.

During the meeting, council also moved to defer hospitality tax, hospitality fee, and accommodations tax collections.

March fees will now be due June 1. Businesses will also be allowed to combine April and May business fees and make one payment on June 20. The deferment would also allow businesses to keep first $1000 of hospitality taxes, hospitality fees and local accommodations tax.

Council also voted to extend the deadline for business licenses. Those normally due April 30 will be due June 20.

Before the vote, council amended the ordinance to waive the penalty on late payments of water, sewer and sanitation fees for residents. The penalty would be waived for bills through May 31. Customers are encouraged to make payment by their regular due date, but there will not be a penalty or disconnection of service for late payment. All accounts must be current by June 12 or they will be subject to penalty and disconnect.

Email Elizabeth at elafleur@greenvillenews.com