COVID-19 Status Update as of July 27, 2020

(COLUMBIA, MO) - As of Monday, July 27, at 10 a.m., there have been a total of 1,051 cases of COVID-19 in Boone County. The mask mandate in Columbia went into effect on July 10, 2020. While it’s too early to determine its exact effects, current data trends suggest it may be helping control the spread of COVID-19 in Boone County. This can be observed through the positivity rate:

• The week of July 3-July 9 the positivity rate for Boone County residents was at an all time high of 16%. 
• The week immediately following the mandate, July 10-July 16, the positivity rate fell to 6.2%.
• During the week of July 17-July 23 the positivity rate rose slightly to 7.2%.

The positivity rate continues to be something that Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) monitors closely, as public health officials consider anything over 5% to be cause for concern. While the requirement of masks in public areas adds to our layered defense to control the spread of COVID-19, it’s important for our community members to remember that masks are not a substitute for social distancing.

"We are hopeful that more people wearing masks will help lower our rates of infection, but it’s important to continue all other efforts to remain COVID aware, including social distancing to the greatest extent possible, regularly washing your hands, and staying home if you are sick," said PHHS Director Stephanie Browning. 

58% of all COVID-19 cases in Boone County have been in individuals under the age of 30. While this group is less likely to require hospitalization or be at risk of dying from the virus, the long term effects are still largely unknown. 

On Friday, July 24, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published a study that found that recovery from COVID-19 can take a long time, even in healthy young adults. According to the study, one in five people between the ages of 18-34 years old with no chronic medical conditions did not return to their usual state of health 14-21 days after testing positive. 

"We expect to learn more about the long term effects of this virus as time goes on, but this is an important first look at how our younger community may be effected long after they are released from isolation and no longer considered contagious," said Browning. 

This study shows the importance of everyone, including those who may be considered at less risk of severe illness, to follow all social distancing, hand hygiene and masking guidelines. Together we can slow the spread of COVID-19 in Boone County.