City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - new positive cases, wearing masks in public - Monday, June 22 at 5 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) -  
Monday, June 22 summary
The number of positive cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County is currently 277 with 205 who have been released from isolation at the time of publishing. There are 20 new cases from the previous press release update on Friday, June 19 and the number released from isolation has increased by 9. There are currently 70 active cases. While press release updates are only issued on days City offices are open, the data are updated daily on CoMo.gov/Coronavirus. Below is information from local health officials about wearing masks in public.

Cases in Boone County

Total positive cases	Active	Released from isolation	Deaths
277	70	205	2

*Numbers current as of June 22 at 5 p.m.

Ages:
<15: 25 cases (1 additional case from the June 19 press release update)
15-24: 83 cases (11 additional cases from the June 19 press release update)
25-44: 90 cases (5 additional cases from the June 19 press release update)
45-64: 56 cases (3 additional cases from the June 19 press release update)
65+: 23 cases 

Transmission:
Travel-related: 34 cases
Contact to a confirmed case: 148 cases (13 additional cases from the June 19 press release update)
Community transmission: 82 cases (4 additional cases from the June 19 press release update, 2 cases moved from the unknown category)
Unknown/pending investigation: 13 cases (3 additional cases from the June 19 press release update)

Health message
Given the recent increase in the rate of new cases, local health officials strongly encourage that all those able to do so wear a cloth face covering when in public settings, or around others not within their household. Face masks are a key way to protect our vulnerable community members from possible exposure to the COVID-19 virus. 

As of June 21, 52% of all COVID-19 cases in Boone County have been among those under age 30. The 20-24 age group has the highest number of cases. A majority of these cases among this age group are due to contact with a known positive case. Although this age group is less likely to have severe symptoms that require hospitalization, they can still spread the virus to others who may be more vulnerable. 

As community members continue to interact with more people, the chance of exposure increases. There are several ways you can lower your risk of exposure when going out in public. These include:

• Social distance from others outside of your household to the greatest extent possible. This should be done both when indoors and outdoors.
• When gathering with others, try to do so outdoors.
• Decrease the number of people you are exposed to as much as possible. Not only does this protect you from being exposed to the virus, it also protects your loved ones if you are carrying the virus without knowing. 
• When you cannot avoid being around others, wear a cloth face covering. 
• Stay home if you are sick, wash hands regularly and disinfect shared items. 

Changes to City services
No additional changes at this time.


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.