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31 Pics Of People Not Avoiding Contact In South Carolina Illustrate The First Stage Of A Tragedy
Interview
People and politicians in the US are reacting very differently to the coronavirus pandemic—it all depends on the state you’re living in. South Carolina has recently come under fire after some people on Twitter shared photos of Americans who aren’t staying at home and are ignoring the social distancing advice. Scroll down to see just what the situation is like in some parts of the state.
According to The New York Times, there are currently 1,554 reported cases of the coronavirus and 31 deaths in South Carolina. However, the state still hasn’t issued a “stay-at-home” order, even though Governor Henry McMaster has declared a state of emergency. In other words, there are some mixed messages and some Americans still aren’t taking the situation seriously.
Sheriff Lee Boan from Kershaw County told Bored Panda that there are clear signs that South Carolina's Governor McMaster is "slowly tightening down" the state. "He has already closed nonessential businesses and has been encouraging citizens to stay home since the beginning. I feel we are already 60-70% into a stay home order. The stay home order is not far away." Scroll down for the rest of our interview with Sheriff Boan about the current situation in his county and in the state.
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According to Sheriff Boan, people who don't adhere to social distancing guidelines can be fined or even get jail time. "SC Section 16-7-10. It carries a $100 fine and up to 30 days in jail. We are dispersing crowds as we see them. Citizens are getting better. It is a major culture change for us all to stay away from each other. But, we are all getting better at it."
The Sheriff told Bored Panda that he and his colleagues are doing well. "No deputies at my department have been infected with COVID-19. We have had as many as 6 deputies out on quarantine due to 'indirect contact.' They were around someone who was around someone with coronavirus."
"We are well staffed now with all of our School Resource Officers (SRO), court deputies, and civil process deputies now assigned to patrol. We have more deputies on patrol now than we have ever had. We haven’t had the need to work over-time yet. But, we are prepared to do so. We also have some deputies that have volunteered to be reserve ambulance drives in the event that our EMS partners get understaffed."
Sheriff Boan said that he believes they are in the "calm before the storm" and haven't been hit hard. "Yet," he added.
#7
Crowds gather on the beach Friday afternoon near 65th Ave. N. in Myrtle Beach
Governor McMaster has closed state parks and prohibited the public from going to beaches and lakes. He also ordered non-essential businesses, like hair salons and gyms, to close. All public schools are also shut down and students are learning via the internet from home.
Finally, the governor asked all citizens to stay at home. However, some South Carolina lawmakers think that this isn’t enough to suppress the spread of Covid-19 without an official “stay-at-home” order. People still can (and do!) leave their homes for any reason whatsoever, not just for essential trips to the grocery store, the pharmacy, or to take care of loved ones.
South Carolinian Republicans and Democrats are coming together and urging McMaster to issue the order. “I don’t understand why he hasn’t taken that step and told the citizens under the force of law you must stay at home,” Democrat Seth Rose expressed his frustration, considering that South Carolina’s neighbors North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida have all issued “stay-at-home” orders of their own.
“We should not be recommending you stay home unless you want to go out,” Rose added.
Meanwhile, Sheriff Boan also had this to say to people to make sure they’re social distancing: “It’s better to stay six feet apart now than to be six feet under later.” If that doesn’t get you to rethink going outside for no reason, can anything?
#15
Snowy Tundra 4 years ago
I am really resenting this state and governor on behalf of all the exhausted medical people who will have to go to SC to supplement the state's medical people when they get overwhelmed with all the sick people who ignored the strongly worded suggestions to stay home. Argh!
#16
Crowds on the beach near 14th Ave. Pier
Elaine Mattingly 4 years ago
Get back over here where you'll be safe Grandpa and Ma, don't wander off. Safty in numbers.
#20
A northbound look down the beach from the Cherry Grove Pier
#21
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
J-Yogi-Temp-Mom 4 years ago
and the person taking the picture is also not following the guidelines...
#24
#26
Go home Greenville County residents! Cleveland, SC March 28, 2020
#27
Yesterday at folly beach, we had to leave because we couldn’t stay 6 feet away from the 20-somethings on the beach
#28
Beach visitors fill the parking lot at the Cherry Grove Pier Friday afternoon
#30
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Michelle Morgan 4 years ago
What about places of work that are still open and it’s not essential that they have to be open.#mcmastersshutscdown#somescpeoplearesocialdistancing#wewouldstayathomeifwecould
#31
EtherealSponge 4 years ago
Technically they are spread out at least 6 feet apart? Assuming the smaller clumps are related people. Further back thought there are long stretches of people.
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What do you think ?
Colin L 4 years ago
I know some people are taking it seriously, but there is no way that they all will. This is why a "stay at home" order is needed. There are enough entitled, ignorant, or foolhardy people that won't die, but they're out there now getting other people sick and will have disastrous downstream death because of their dumb asses.
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago (edited)
The sad truth is that some of the people in these photos are going to die from Covid-19 and some of the people who maybe did not even know that they ever had it will have infected some other people who will then die from Covid-19. Please, people, SOCIAL DISTANCING must be seen in the same light as we see the most basic of traffic rules. We all drive on trhe same side of the road in order to not cause unnecessary traffic accidents and possible deaths. It wasn't always like that. Now, we must abide by SOCIAL DISTANCING recommendations for that very same reason, to LIVE AND LET LIVE. Nobody says "No one is going to tell me which side of the road to drive on!" So, wash your hands, stay apart, and stay well!
Dianna Siever 4 years ago
Virginian here. I had to go to the grocery store last week. At Food Lion people social distanced, at Walmart they didn't. It took me forever to get through the store because I had to keep avoiding people. The next time I have to go out I'm dressing like a maniac. Maybe then people will walk away from me instead of toward me.
giovanna 4 years ago
Exactly the same as Italy one month ago. People don't listen to "advice". They have to be obligate to comply.
Jessica Frady 4 years ago
Stay at home order shouldve been issued weeks ago! Bad enough that Mr President downgraded the situation from the start, now we have to wait for hundreds of thousands to die. Screw social distancing. STAY HOME PEOPLE!
YupItsMe1234 4 years ago
The sad thing is that one of these people will die and their family will blame it on the "liberal media" somehow.
Donegalsean 4 years ago
Thats why there are today 213 600 Confirmed cases in the US and 3 331 deaths and counting...
Liz Kobukowski 4 years ago
I am from South Carolina and we are literally begging our governor daily to issue a statewide stay at home order. Until he does and limits "essential services" to things that are actually essential, we still have to work. The highways are full every morning, and yet McMaster still refuses to take aggressive action. Plus, we still have people congregating everywhere. The governor says he believes in the people of South Carolina to show common sense, but largely I'm not seeing that. Most everyone I know has limited all contact, but you still see these pictures. We need a stay at home order BADLY or this will decimate our state.
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
Be like Grisu. A great view to admire, and a safe distance from others! grisu2-5e8...7e2042.jpg 
Toasty Little Beamer 4 years ago
Seeing all of these makes me really angry. These people are endangering a lot of people because they feel like it. It really isn't hard to stay home.
smithyjones 4 years ago
Glad I live in Ohio with a governor who believes in science and who DID NOT ignore the warnings.
AndersM 4 years ago
It's sad to see. They ignored it in Sweden and now they're really screwed. Especially with the bad American healthcare system it will be a real challenge.
Tor Rolf Strøm 4 years ago
As if it wasn't clear already, it definitely is now! The problem is PEOPLE. Not the government, but normal, regular people. There are way to many of them, and they are too stupid. Harsh I know, but true.
spirit wolf 4 years ago
We live next to one of the biggest parks in town and we have to drive through it to get out of our house for grocery runs. We've genuinely never seen so many people at the park on regular days and this has been an ongoing thing for weeks now. I'm lost for words.
Eliška Komárková 4 years ago
Well, here in the Czech Republic all the hairdressers, barber shops are closed, restaurant, bars and pubs as well. The only shops open are grocery stores, electronics, mobil providers, haberdeshers, drugstores and garden centers and florists (those because in the spring they have the greatest sales). Paying is preffered by card, cashiers are behind panel and there are marks on the floor to show distance.
Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
Henry McMaster, and other governors who haven't yet implemented stay-at-home or did implemented the order later than it was prudent to do so, are not morally qualified to hold public office
Elica 4 years ago
People should notice there are soooo many tragic cases of Covid-19 fatalities that almost wiped out an entire family..
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
The most loyal Trumpist governors have blood on their hands for following the president's hunches instead of the advice from the public health experts, experts of epidemiology and the medical community.
BlueCustardAnge111 4 years ago
I feel like the situation is critical enough that it should be criminalized when some refuses to obey social distancing recommendations. A person who knowingly has HIV can be charged with attempted murder if they fail to inform their partner about the risks of unprotected sex. coronavirus should be treated the same way.
Katinka Min 4 years ago
In Berlin, parks etc are still open. You are allowed out with the people in your household to get some fresh air, do grocerie shopping. They banned team sports and all gatherings like barbeques etc. You can meet one friend outdoors, the distance is supposed ot be 1,5m. Many people don't quite manage that, but most do. It is working, the infection rate has gone down a lot. The reasoning behind it is that without the option of getting out and some fresh air, peple will go crazy - we don't have the big houses and yards, people in the US seem to have. Domestic abuse has tripled in China, not somethign we want to copy. DIY shops and garden centers are still open, but they only allow a limited number of people.
Dawn Rodriguez 4 years ago
What about the people taking the pictures? They are at the beaches and at lowes too not self isolating. I dont get this article
TheDivineMs.M 4 years ago
It's not just South Carolina- the stupidity is rampant everywhere in America- im in Tennessee and it's here too
Christine M Quigley 4 years ago
I'm not surprised. I live near the coast in southern NC, very close to the border of SC. No one tells these people what to do. Screw everyone else! They're like cats, 'I do what I want'. Until COVID hits YOUR family, YOUR neighborhood, YOUR friends will they take this seriously. The virus doesn't discriminate, people. I'm a retired RN, originally trained in Brooklyn, and to see what is going on in NYC hospitals breaks my heart. It could happen anywhere, even in South Carolina.
Lynden Manning 4 years ago
Aussie here....our beaches are closed, unless exercising. Sunbathers like the ones in your pictures would get fined. Social distancing is being taken very seriously. Limited numbers allowed in stores, security to enforce distancing etc. all mass gatherings were banned several weeks ago (including churches). We are told to stay home, have no visitors (or face fines or jail). Most people are doing the right thing. Even though we have one of the best health systems in the world, we don't want to test it. I just wish they would have grounded ALL flights in and out.
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I'm in Southern California. We have a stay at home order. Some people aren't obeying it either. We can point fingers.
Kirsti Murch 4 years ago
Very selfish actions. America seems to be really slow with bringing in restrictions to limiting the spread of coved-19. With the American health system being pretty poor if I lived in America I'd be really scared right now. In Australia I have to say the government is doing pretty well with bringing in regulations and most people are taking it seriously now and thinking about how their actions can effect other people.
Sandra Montgomery 4 years ago
I saw a photo somewhere of a guy on the beach with a big circle drawn around him on the sand. I get that people who live right on the beach want to go sit out in their 'front yard' and I think they should be allowed to. But everyone else needs to stay away. Shut down all public parking within 2 miles of the shoreline. People have to stay away from others by 12 feet minimum so draw that circle in the sand. Families of course, who live together can be together but that is it. And I don't live near a beach, mine is a 20 min drive away and I haven't left my house (except for 2 short grocery runs) in 21 days and counting.
Fairsher 4 years ago
This is why governments need to enforce curfews etc because of ignorant people. I hate anything forced on society but life and death issues I wish they would take lead before s**t hits the fan. I have 2 daughters who are nurses here in Canada and when I see this type of ignorance I want to punch someone in the throat. STOP ENDANGERING OUR FAMILIES!!! and people we love! And STOP ENDANGERING OTHERS who care enough about people they listen and stay home!! I speak for those who find those people in these pics are A..HOLES!!!
Dave Chapman 4 years ago
I'm a Canadian, but I have to wonder just what percentage of these people probably have a MAGA hat or T-shirt at home? Just following their eternally (idiotic) Leader's lead in all this - "Nothing to worry about, it'll be gone when the weather warms up."
Carol Emory 4 years ago
Let me explain how this works further. You're on the beach, keeping 6 feet away. You walk past a guy that has Covid-19 (he's unaware he has it)..but what he did do was spit on the sand where you just walked. You carry it to your car and then your house. You dispense it all over the carpet. Your kids play in it, your dog rolls in it. Then you play with your kids or pet your dog..randomly touching your face. Guess who has Covid-19 now. Stop going to the beaches and STAY HOME!!!
Chelsea Hughes 4 years ago
lack of discipline. they can't understand simple instructions to stay at home.
Terd Fergison 4 years ago
Where are our government leaders? We have a government of the f*****g stupid, corrupt, and inept! Our government leaders need to be held criminally liable. Lock them up, throw away the keys, and take their money.
Nicholas Yu 4 years ago
Do away with fines. Fly drones. If you're caught on camera, you will get medical care only after other patients who chose to stay indoors.
John van den Elzen 4 years ago
Drowning in your own fluids doesn’t seem to bother these idiots
Wottermehlon Doge 4 years ago
This is disgusting. Those people are the reason this isn't stopping. Over a million deaths have happened and it's because of these jerks. Doctors are being overwhelmed by this crisis and the LEAST we could do is stay inside to slow down the spread. The person below me, Dat Bored Pugtato. You obviously know nothing. THIS VIRUS IS KILLING US! We should not be going outside at all ESPECIALLY the elderly. This is not good at all it's because of the people in this photo and the ignorant people who are spreading the virus OUR OWN PRESIDENT THINKS IT'S UNDER CONTROL! HE IS RUINING IT FOR US AND THE PEOPLE GOING OUTSIDE ARE TOO!
Sean Harrison 4 years ago
I say let them gather. This is Natural Selection at work. Let the stupid die to the smart can prevail.
Shadowpuppy_123 4 years ago
Something that REALLY annoys me is that the people taking the pictures are criticizing everyone else for being out, but THE PERSON TAKING THE PICTURE IS OUT TOO!!
Ruby Gloom 4 years ago
What does it say about the tattletales, posting the pictures of the groups and bitching about wanting a "stay at home order in place"..??
Patrick McKemie 4 years ago
This what South Carolina rednecks do when not flying a confederate flag or worshiping at the alter of trump. They do stupid things to prove you can't tell them what to do. They call it "owning the libs".
Colin L 4 years ago
I know some people are taking it seriously, but there is no way that they all will. This is why a "stay at home" order is needed. There are enough entitled, ignorant, or foolhardy people that won't die, but they're out there now getting other people sick and will have disastrous downstream death because of their dumb asses.
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago (edited)
The sad truth is that some of the people in these photos are going to die from Covid-19 and some of the people who maybe did not even know that they ever had it will have infected some other people who will then die from Covid-19. Please, people, SOCIAL DISTANCING must be seen in the same light as we see the most basic of traffic rules. We all drive on trhe same side of the road in order to not cause unnecessary traffic accidents and possible deaths. It wasn't always like that. Now, we must abide by SOCIAL DISTANCING recommendations for that very same reason, to LIVE AND LET LIVE. Nobody says "No one is going to tell me which side of the road to drive on!" So, wash your hands, stay apart, and stay well!
Dianna Siever 4 years ago
Virginian here. I had to go to the grocery store last week. At Food Lion people social distanced, at Walmart they didn't. It took me forever to get through the store because I had to keep avoiding people. The next time I have to go out I'm dressing like a maniac. Maybe then people will walk away from me instead of toward me.
giovanna 4 years ago
Exactly the same as Italy one month ago. People don't listen to "advice". They have to be obligate to comply.
Jessica Frady 4 years ago
Stay at home order shouldve been issued weeks ago! Bad enough that Mr President downgraded the situation from the start, now we have to wait for hundreds of thousands to die. Screw social distancing. STAY HOME PEOPLE!
YupItsMe1234 4 years ago
The sad thing is that one of these people will die and their family will blame it on the "liberal media" somehow.
Donegalsean 4 years ago
Thats why there are today 213 600 Confirmed cases in the US and 3 331 deaths and counting...
Liz Kobukowski 4 years ago
I am from South Carolina and we are literally begging our governor daily to issue a statewide stay at home order. Until he does and limits "essential services" to things that are actually essential, we still have to work. The highways are full every morning, and yet McMaster still refuses to take aggressive action. Plus, we still have people congregating everywhere. The governor says he believes in the people of South Carolina to show common sense, but largely I'm not seeing that. Most everyone I know has limited all contact, but you still see these pictures. We need a stay at home order BADLY or this will decimate our state.
Jaybird3939 4 years ago
Be like Grisu. A great view to admire, and a safe distance from others! grisu2-5e8...7e2042.jpg
Toasty Little Beamer 4 years ago
Seeing all of these makes me really angry. These people are endangering a lot of people because they feel like it. It really isn't hard to stay home.
smithyjones 4 years ago
Glad I live in Ohio with a governor who believes in science and who DID NOT ignore the warnings.
AndersM 4 years ago
It's sad to see. They ignored it in Sweden and now they're really screwed. Especially with the bad American healthcare system it will be a real challenge.
Tor Rolf Strøm 4 years ago
As if it wasn't clear already, it definitely is now! The problem is PEOPLE. Not the government, but normal, regular people. There are way to many of them, and they are too stupid. Harsh I know, but true.
spirit wolf 4 years ago
We live next to one of the biggest parks in town and we have to drive through it to get out of our house for grocery runs. We've genuinely never seen so many people at the park on regular days and this has been an ongoing thing for weeks now. I'm lost for words.
Eliška Komárková 4 years ago
Well, here in the Czech Republic all the hairdressers, barber shops are closed, restaurant, bars and pubs as well. The only shops open are grocery stores, electronics, mobil providers, haberdeshers, drugstores and garden centers and florists (those because in the spring they have the greatest sales). Paying is preffered by card, cashiers are behind panel and there are marks on the floor to show distance.
Chris DiFonso 4 years ago
Henry McMaster, and other governors who haven't yet implemented stay-at-home or did implemented the order later than it was prudent to do so, are not morally qualified to hold public office
Elica 4 years ago
People should notice there are soooo many tragic cases of Covid-19 fatalities that almost wiped out an entire family..
Monika Soffronow 4 years ago
The most loyal Trumpist governors have blood on their hands for following the president's hunches instead of the advice from the public health experts, experts of epidemiology and the medical community.
BlueCustardAnge111 4 years ago
I feel like the situation is critical enough that it should be criminalized when some refuses to obey social distancing recommendations. A person who knowingly has HIV can be charged with attempted murder if they fail to inform their partner about the risks of unprotected sex. coronavirus should be treated the same way.
Katinka Min 4 years ago
In Berlin, parks etc are still open. You are allowed out with the people in your household to get some fresh air, do grocerie shopping. They banned team sports and all gatherings like barbeques etc. You can meet one friend outdoors, the distance is supposed ot be 1,5m. Many people don't quite manage that, but most do. It is working, the infection rate has gone down a lot. The reasoning behind it is that without the option of getting out and some fresh air, peple will go crazy - we don't have the big houses and yards, people in the US seem to have. Domestic abuse has tripled in China, not somethign we want to copy. DIY shops and garden centers are still open, but they only allow a limited number of people.
Dawn Rodriguez 4 years ago
What about the people taking the pictures? They are at the beaches and at lowes too not self isolating. I dont get this article
TheDivineMs.M 4 years ago
It's not just South Carolina- the stupidity is rampant everywhere in America- im in Tennessee and it's here too
Christine M Quigley 4 years ago
I'm not surprised. I live near the coast in southern NC, very close to the border of SC. No one tells these people what to do. Screw everyone else! They're like cats, 'I do what I want'. Until COVID hits YOUR family, YOUR neighborhood, YOUR friends will they take this seriously. The virus doesn't discriminate, people. I'm a retired RN, originally trained in Brooklyn, and to see what is going on in NYC hospitals breaks my heart. It could happen anywhere, even in South Carolina.
Lynden Manning 4 years ago
Aussie here....our beaches are closed, unless exercising. Sunbathers like the ones in your pictures would get fined. Social distancing is being taken very seriously. Limited numbers allowed in stores, security to enforce distancing etc. all mass gatherings were banned several weeks ago (including churches). We are told to stay home, have no visitors (or face fines or jail). Most people are doing the right thing. Even though we have one of the best health systems in the world, we don't want to test it. I just wish they would have grounded ALL flights in and out.
Dorothy Parker 4 years ago
I'm in Southern California. We have a stay at home order. Some people aren't obeying it either. We can point fingers.
Kirsti Murch 4 years ago
Very selfish actions. America seems to be really slow with bringing in restrictions to limiting the spread of coved-19. With the American health system being pretty poor if I lived in America I'd be really scared right now. In Australia I have to say the government is doing pretty well with bringing in regulations and most people are taking it seriously now and thinking about how their actions can effect other people.
Sandra Montgomery 4 years ago
I saw a photo somewhere of a guy on the beach with a big circle drawn around him on the sand. I get that people who live right on the beach want to go sit out in their 'front yard' and I think they should be allowed to. But everyone else needs to stay away. Shut down all public parking within 2 miles of the shoreline. People have to stay away from others by 12 feet minimum so draw that circle in the sand. Families of course, who live together can be together but that is it. And I don't live near a beach, mine is a 20 min drive away and I haven't left my house (except for 2 short grocery runs) in 21 days and counting.
Fairsher 4 years ago
This is why governments need to enforce curfews etc because of ignorant people. I hate anything forced on society but life and death issues I wish they would take lead before s**t hits the fan. I have 2 daughters who are nurses here in Canada and when I see this type of ignorance I want to punch someone in the throat. STOP ENDANGERING OUR FAMILIES!!! and people we love! And STOP ENDANGERING OTHERS who care enough about people they listen and stay home!! I speak for those who find those people in these pics are A..HOLES!!!
Dave Chapman 4 years ago
I'm a Canadian, but I have to wonder just what percentage of these people probably have a MAGA hat or T-shirt at home? Just following their eternally (idiotic) Leader's lead in all this - "Nothing to worry about, it'll be gone when the weather warms up."
Carol Emory 4 years ago
Let me explain how this works further. You're on the beach, keeping 6 feet away. You walk past a guy that has Covid-19 (he's unaware he has it)..but what he did do was spit on the sand where you just walked. You carry it to your car and then your house. You dispense it all over the carpet. Your kids play in it, your dog rolls in it. Then you play with your kids or pet your dog..randomly touching your face. Guess who has Covid-19 now. Stop going to the beaches and STAY HOME!!!
Chelsea Hughes 4 years ago
lack of discipline. they can't understand simple instructions to stay at home.
Terd Fergison 4 years ago
Where are our government leaders? We have a government of the f*****g stupid, corrupt, and inept! Our government leaders need to be held criminally liable. Lock them up, throw away the keys, and take their money.
Nicholas Yu 4 years ago
Do away with fines. Fly drones. If you're caught on camera, you will get medical care only after other patients who chose to stay indoors.
John van den Elzen 4 years ago
Drowning in your own fluids doesn’t seem to bother these idiots
Wottermehlon Doge 4 years ago
This is disgusting. Those people are the reason this isn't stopping. Over a million deaths have happened and it's because of these jerks. Doctors are being overwhelmed by this crisis and the LEAST we could do is stay inside to slow down the spread. The person below me, Dat Bored Pugtato. You obviously know nothing. THIS VIRUS IS KILLING US! We should not be going outside at all ESPECIALLY the elderly. This is not good at all it's because of the people in this photo and the ignorant people who are spreading the virus OUR OWN PRESIDENT THINKS IT'S UNDER CONTROL! HE IS RUINING IT FOR US AND THE PEOPLE GOING OUTSIDE ARE TOO!
Sean Harrison 4 years ago
I say let them gather. This is Natural Selection at work. Let the stupid die to the smart can prevail.
Shadowpuppy_123 4 years ago
Something that REALLY annoys me is that the people taking the pictures are criticizing everyone else for being out, but THE PERSON TAKING THE PICTURE IS OUT TOO!!
Ruby Gloom 4 years ago
What does it say about the tattletales, posting the pictures of the groups and bitching about wanting a "stay at home order in place"..??
Patrick McKemie 4 years ago
This what South Carolina rednecks do when not flying a confederate flag or worshiping at the alter of trump. They do stupid things to prove you can't tell them what to do. They call it "owning the libs".
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