The Confederate Flag, shown in the background in this photo taken Thursday, will be removed today from the Statehouse grounds during a ceremony that begins at 10 a.m. Here, Maria Calef of Columbia waves a sign Thursday as she yells out “we are taken it down!” in front of the Statehouse. (Photo by Paul Zoeller)
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/web1_Confederateflag02.jpgThe Confederate Flag, shown in the background in this photo taken Thursday, will be removed today from the Statehouse grounds during a ceremony that begins at 10 a.m. Here, Maria Calef of Columbia waves a sign Thursday as she yells out “we are taken it down!” in front of the Statehouse. (Photo by Paul Zoeller)

COLUMBIA – The SC Department of Public Safety has announced staging for the public during the Confederate Flag removal, which will be at the Statehouse at 10 a.m. today:

• The North steps and the area on either side of the North steps will be roped off and closed to the media and the public.

• The front, central lawn area directly around the monument will be roped off.

• The public will be allowed to stand behind barriers on each side of the Confederate Flag from the front of the Statehouse (beyond the ropes/barriers) to Gervais Street and Main Street.

• Spectators can also watch from Gervais and Main streets, which will be closed to traffic.

Spectators planning to attend should be advised that the following roads will be blocked off:

• Assembly and Gervais

• Sumter and Gervais

• Main and Lady

Parking will be available at surrounding city garages, including Park Street garage (Park and Senate); Lady Street garage; and metered parking on Assembly Street and Sumter Streets.