City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, environmental health information - Thursday, March 26 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Thursday, March 26 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased in Boone County. At the time of publishing, there were 33 total cases. The topic for Thursday’s Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services Facebook Live video was environmental health. See some of the information below.

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases	Deaths
33	1

*Numbers current as of March 26 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
15-24: 5 cases
25-44: 12 cases
45-64: 13 cases
65+: 3 cases

Transmission:
Travel-related: 18 cases
Contact to a confirmed case: 3 cases
Community transmission: 4 cases
Pending investigation: 6 case
Unknown: 2 cases

Health message
Currently, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Like other viruses, it is possible that the virus that causes COVID-19 can survive on surfaces or objects. For that reason, it is critical to follow the four key steps of food safety-clean, separate, cook and chill. 

Even though there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19, anyone handling, preparing and serving food should always follow safe food handling procedures, such as washing hands and surfaces often. The CDC recommends that if you are sick, stay home until you are better and no longer pose a risk of infecting others.

Residents who are ordering groceries or food to be delivered to their home are encouraged to minimize contact with the delivery person by considering the following tips:

• Make payments over the phone or online if possible.
• Instruct the driver to leave the delivery at the door.
• Meet the delivery driver outside and avoid touching.

Changes to City services
No additional changes at this time.

As a reminder, the Stay at Home Order and FAQ can be found here: CoMo.gov/Coronavirus/Official-Documents.

Please direct all reports of non-compliance to the City’s Contact Center at 573.874.CITY (2489) or email [email protected]. 


Official information from the City of Columbia and Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) can be found at CoMo.gov/Coronavirus. The City will also be utilizing City and PHHS official social media accounts to post updates. They can be found at @CoMoGov on Facebook and Twitter and @CoMoHealthDept on Facebook and @CoMo_HealthDept on Twitter.