City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, importance of social distancing, Order No. 2020-07 issued - Thursday, June 18 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) -  
Thursday, June 18 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County is currently 250 with 189 who have been released from isolation at the time of publishing. There are 18 new cases from the previous press release update and the number released from isolation has increased by 2. There are currently 59 active cases. Below is information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about why it’s important to practice social distancing. Also below is information about Order No. 2020-07 and order 2020-07(c), which will begin at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020.

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases	Active	Released from isolation	Deaths
250	59	189	2

*Numbers current as of June 18 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
<15: 24 cases (2 additional cases)
15-24: 69 cases (5 additional cases)
25-44: 83 cases (6 additional cases)
45-64: 51 cases (4 additional cases)
65+: 23 cases (1 additional case)

Transmission:
Travel-related: 34 cases 
Contact to a confirmed case: 126 cases (3 additional cases, 3 cases moved from the unknown category)
Community transmission: 66 cases (1 additional case, 4 cases moved from the unknown category)
Unknown/pending investigation: 24 cases (14 additional cases)

Health message
COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet) for a prolonged period. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets can also be inhaled into the lungs. The CDC states that recent studies indicate that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19.

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. However, this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. COVID-19 can live for hours or days on a surface, depending on factors such as sunlight, humidity, and the type of surface. Social distancing helps limit opportunities to come in contact with contaminated surfaces and infected people outside the home.

Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting themselves, their family, and their community.

Changes to City services
Order No. 2020-07
The City of Columbia and Boone County are advancing into the next step of the ongoing reopening and COVID-19 response efforts. As previously outlined, Phase 2, Step 3 of the reopening will begin at 12 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2020. Stephanie Browning, director of Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services has issued Order No. 2020-07 and order 2020-07(c) to signal the beginning of this next step. This order is effective until July 20, unless extended, rescinded or modified. This order includes a framework for all establishments within Boone County to operate with social distancing requirements and disinfection guidelines.

To read more about the new Order, please see the press release by visiting CoMo.gov/CMS/pressreleases/view.php?id=6863 or view the FAQ at CoMo.gov/wp-content/uploads/P.H.-Order-2020-07-FAQ.pdf.


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.