City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, CDC recommendations for masks, Parks and Recreation update - Monday, April 6 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) -  
Monday, April 6 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County is currently 70 with 47 who have recovered at the time of publishing. Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about wearing masks in situations where social distancing is difficult. Also below is information from Columbia Parks and Recreation about closing a parking area at Cosmo Park to make more space for recreation that adheres to social distancing guidelines.

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases	Active	Recovered	Deaths
70	22	47	1

*Numbers current as of April 6 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
15-24: 18 cases
25-44: 28 cases
45-64: 21 cases
65+: 3 cases

Transmission:
Travel-related: 27 cases
Contact to a confirmed case: 21 cases
Community transmission: 21 cases
Pending investigation: 1 case

Health message
The CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.

The new recommendation comes after continually studying the spread and effects of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The CDC states that recent studies show a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus didn’t have symptoms and that even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms.

The CDC shared a video on how to make your own face covering at home. The video can be found here: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html.

Changes to City services
Parks and Recreation
Beginning Monday, April 6, the west side of Cosmo Park, 1615 Business Loop 70, will be closed to vehicular traffic to allow for added park space for pedestrians and wheeled sports, such as bicycles and skates. This affected area includes tennis courts, park shelters and Steinberg Playground, which are all temporarily closed. Park patrons will be able to access the skate park, Bear Creek Trail and Rhett’s Run on the north side of the park.

Parking lots and park roads in the closed area of Cosmo Park are now open for walking, running, skating and cycling. In addition, the Cosmo Park Fitness Trail will be open to "one-way traffic" only; park patrons are asked to walk in a clockwise direction to allow for appropriate social distancing.

Anyone engaging in outdoor exercise activities must follow the required guidelines of keeping a distance of at least 6 feet with other people at all times.


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.