Public Health Orders extended through Feb. 16, 2021

(COLUMBIA, MO) - Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) announces an additional extension of Public Health Orders, issued by Director Stephanie Browning. These protocols are identical to the seven previous orders and are extended through Orders 2020-18 and 2020-18(c). The orders are set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 16, 2021, unless otherwise extended, rescinded, or modified. The mask requirement for both the City and County is extended through Feb. 16, 2021 with these Orders.

The number of new COVID-19 cases in Boone County is stable but remains high. As of Jan. 13, the five day average of new cases per day was 94. This high volume continues to put a strain on local resources. The status of Boone County hospitals remains at ‘yellow’, meaning non-emergency patients, transfers, and procedures may have to be delayed because of staffing and capacity limitations.  As of Jan 13, there were 120 people in Boone County hospitalized who are COVID-19 positive; 28 of those individuals were in the ICU and 14 were on ventilators. Extending the current orders will preserve the resources and capacities of these hospital systems. 

PHHS continues to work with local and state health officials to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, the state is in Phase 1A of vaccination, which includes patient-facing health care workers and long-term care facility residents and staff members. A new page on CoMo.gov was released last week that gives information on the vaccine, answers frequently asked questions, and allows Boone County residents to sign up for email updates about vaccine availability and distribution. The page can be found at CoMo.gov/CovidVaccine.

"Right now, supply of the vaccine is limited and Missouri, as a whole, is working its way through the groups in Phase 1A: the people at highest risk of exposure or severe illness. At the same time, we’re preparing for the state to tell us it’s time to move to Phase 1B," Browning said. "The vaccine rollout will take some time, so it’s important that we all continue avoiding large gatherings, wearing masks, washing our hands, and limiting contact with people we don’t live with."

The current COVID-19 protocols include:

• Face masks must be worn by those over the age of 10 when social distancing cannot be maintained. This applies to both within Columbia city limits and within Boone County.
• Maintain social distance from those outside your household at all times.
• To increase safety and maximize social distancing within the establishment, all businesses are strongly encouraged to operate at a capacity less than otherwise permitted. Businesses are also encouraged to provide services remotely or in a manner maximizing social distancing such as curbside, pickup, delivery, etc.
• Entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants serving alcohol must close by 10:30 p.m.
• Restaurants and bars must maintain social distancing between tables. No more than 10 people may be seated at a table. Patrons must be seated at all times; the exceptions are when entering/exiting the business or visiting a restroom facility. When not seated, patrons must wear a face mask.
• Sporting events are limited to 100 spectators or less. Athletes must remain in stable groups of 50.
• Any large group gathering or event held at a business or institution open to the public is limited to 50% occupancy or 100 people, whichever is less. This includes events in hotels, conference/event centers, places of worship, etc.
• All public and private gatherings not described within the Orders are limited to 20 people or fewer. Face masks must be worn and social distancing maintained at all times at all gatherings.