City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, caring for children during the pandemic, sanctioned homeless encampment services RFP, Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program - Monday, April 13 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) -  
Monday, April 13 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County is currently 79 with 66 who have recovered at the time of publishing. Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about keeping children healthy during the coronavirus pandemic. Also below is information about a request for proposals for sanctioned homeless encampment services and the Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program.

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases	Active	Recovered	Deaths
79	12	66	1

*Numbers current as of April 13 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
<15: 1 case
15-24: 18 cases
25-44: 31 cases
45-64: 24 cases
65+: 5 cases

Transmission:
Travel-related: 27 cases
Contact to a confirmed case: 25 cases
Community transmission: 25 cases
Pending investigation: 2

Health message
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers guidance to parents about how to keep their children healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

The CDC states that based on available evidence, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. While some children and infants have been sick with the coronavirus, adults make up most of the known cases to date. However, officials have recommendations to keep children and their families healthy.

• Clean hands often.
• Avoid people who are sick.
• Limit time with older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions. Connect virtually or write letters to stay in touch. 
• Clean and disinfect high-touch services daily, such as tables, chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, etc. 
• Launder items, including washable plush toys, as needed. 
• Children 2 years and older should wear a cloth face covering.

Since schools have moved to online learning, the CDC advises that children should not have in-person playdates with children from other households. If children are playing outside their own homes, it is essential that they remain 6 feet from anyone who is not in their own household.

For more information about caring for children during the pandemic, please visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/children.html.

Changes to City services
Request for proposals: sanctioned homeless encampment services 
After discussion at the April 6 City Council meeting, the City of Columbia has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for an outside entity to provide sanctioned homeless encampment services related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To read more about the RFP, read the press release at the following link: CoMo.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=6690.

Housing Programs Division: Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program
In an effort to assist small businesses, the City of Columbia’s Housing Programs Division will be accepting Microenterprise Recovery Loan Program applications beginning Wednesday, April 15. The application period will remain open until the loan funds are exhausted. To read more about the program, read the press release at the following link: CoMo.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=6688.


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.