(COLUMBIA, MO) - In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Columbia City Council unanimously passed a resolution at their regular meeting on Monday, March 16, supporting the declaration of a state of emergency within the city. The resolution includes calling for proactive measures to protect the public health, safety and welfare; expressing support for and calling upon City Manager John Glascock and Public Health and Human Services Director Stephanie Browning to enact regulations to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
The resolution passed by Council gives Glascock and Browning the support to implement various measures to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the community but the potential measures listed in the resolution have not been enacted at the time of this release. Following the passage of the resolution, Glascock signed the formal declaration of emergency.
At this time, no private entities are being required to close, but social distancing is highly encouraged. In the coming days and weeks, Glascock and Browning will methodically determine what rules and regulations will apply during this ever-changing situation. The goal is to keep the COVID-19 virus from rapid spread within our community. When a rule goes into effect it will be in writing and issued by either Glascock or Browning.
While there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County at the time of this release, local leaders are preparing in the event that there is a local confirmed case. Glascock and Browning will continue their consistent communication with other City department directors, local leaders, residents and businesses to ensure the public health, safety and welfare of our community.
The City of Columbia created an enhanced information section on CoMo.gov that has information about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Information will be added as it becomes available about potential operation changes and other updates. The site can be found here:
CoMo.gov/Coronavirus.
Attached to this press release are the Council-approved resolution and the signed declaration of emergency.
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