City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, public golf courses reopening - Tuesday, April 14 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) -

Tuesday, April 14 summary

The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County is currently 83 with 69 who have recovered at the time of publishing. Tuesday’s Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) Facebook Live video discussed mental health resources. View the video on their Facebook page.

Below is information about Glove usage for food service workers Parks and Recreation reopening the two public golf courses with added measures to ensure social distancing. 

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases: 83

Active: 13

Recovered: 69

Deaths: 1

*Numbers current as of April 14 at 5 p.m.

Ages:

<15: 1 case

15-24: 19 cases

25-44: 33 cases

45-64: 25 cases

65+: 5 cases

Transmission:

Travel-related: 28 cases

Contact to a confirmed case: 27 cases

Community transmission: 26 cases

Pending investigation: 2

Health message

Glove usage for food service workers during COVID-19 

There is no evidence to suggest that food or food packaging are associated with the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Many individuals have decided to wear gloves as a precaution to protect themselves from the virus. There is no requirement at this time that food service workers (including employees at grocery stores) need to change their glove usage as it relates to food preparation. The FDA recommends continuing to follow Food Code guidelines when wearing gloves and working with food. This means that gloves only need to be worn when handling ready to eat foods, wearing acrylic nails, or when a worker has a bandaged cut. 

Tips for wearing gloves:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before putting gloves on
• Gloves are not a substitute for washing your hands
• Gloves should be changed any time you are changing tasks 
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after taking your gloves off

Changes to City services

Parks and Recreation

Columbia Parks and Recreation is reopening L.A. Nickell and Lake of the Woods golf courses on Friday, April 17 at 8 a.m. 

The reopening of the golf courses does not mean that the City of Columbia is easing on social distancing guidelines or the Stay at Home Order currently in place. Parks and Recreation is implementing strict measures to ensure the safety of staff and golfers. Please note these changes in golf course operations at this time:

 

• The clubhouses at both courses will be closed. Instead, temporary walk-up windows have been installed at each clubhouse to minimize contact between the staff attendant and golfer.
• Golfers are encouraged to pay for their tee time online prior to arrival, or payment can be accepted at the walk-up window. Credit card payment is preferred but cash will be accepted.
• Golf carts will not be rented. Golfers are encouraged to walk the course. Personal golf carts will be allowed with only one golfer per cart. Only immediate family members in the same household will be allowed to be a passenger in private carts.
• Tee times will be available daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the courses set to close by 7 p.m. Tee times will be kept 18 minutes apart to maintain distance between golfers.
• There will be no water coolers on the course, concession operations, or access to clubhouse or course restrooms. Two portable toilets will be set at each course near the clubhouses.
• Golfers will be allowed to bring their own food and beverage; however, the City’s liquor license does not allow for personal alcoholic beverages. Trash cans will be limited on the course, so golfers are encouraged to practice a "pack it in, pack it out" policy.
• Devices have been placed in the cup to stop the ball from entering the cup.  Golfers will not be allowed to remove the flagstick in each hole. Ball washers and bunker rakes have been removed. 
• The driving range at Lake of the Woods will be open as well (the L.A. Nickell driving range remains closed for renovations). Clubhouse staff will sanitize baskets after each use. Golf balls are picked up mechanically and placed directly into a ball washing machine, so there is no contact.
• Golfers should arrive no more than 10 minutes before their tee time. After their round is complete, golfers should promptly leave the course. Groups will not be allowed to gather outside the clubhouse or in the parking lots.
• To remain in compliance with the current Stay at Home Order restricting crowd size, there will be no tournaments until further notice.
• Tee times may be made online at golfcolumbiamo.com or by phone, starting Friday, at 573.499.GOLF (4653). 

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.