<div style="margin-top: 20px;"><img src="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/citylogo-health.png" alt="City of Columbia - Columbia Boone County Health Department" width="175" height="116" style="margin-right: 5px;">
<img src="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/healthlogo.jpg" alt="Booune County Missouri" width="137" height="130" style="float: right; margin-right: 0px; margin-left:20px;">
<div style="padding-top:40px;
text-align:center;">
<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">1005 W. Worley St. <br />Columbia, MO 65203</p></div>
</div>
<div style="clear:both; text-align:center; padding-top: 20px;">
<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">December 4, 2020</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Brian Adkisson
<br />Communications and Creative Services Manager
<br />Community Relations
<br />City of Columbia
<br />Brian.Adkisson@CoMo.gov
<br />573.874.7330</p>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">Public Health Orders extended through December 22</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) announces an additional extension of Public Health Orders 2020-16 and 2020-16(c), issued this morning by Director Stephanie Browning. These protocols are identical to the five previous orders, and are set to expire at 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 22, unless otherwise extended, rescinded or modified. The mask requirement for both the City and County is extended through Dec. 22 with these Orders. <br /><br />"We are just beginning to see how hospitalizations and community spread have been affected by Thanksgiving, so we need to extend the current protocols as we monitor the situation to see what will be needed in the coming weeks," Browning said.<br /><br />The surging number of infections is increasing the strain on the community. On Dec. 3, Boone County recorded a new single-day high of 226 COVID-19 cases. Additionally, the number
of Boone County residents with illnesses severe enough to require hospitalization has risen steadily. In November alone, 106 Boone County patients were hospitalized - that’s higher than the number of residents hospitalized due to COVID-19 in September and October combined. As of Dec. 2, there were 157 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Boone County. Forty-six of those were in the ICU, and 20 were on ventilators. This rapid increase is further straining the Boone County health care system, causing a reported "yellow" status for hospital capacity. <br /><br />"If we are going to protect our friends, our family, and our community, these public health measures are necessary to slow the spread of the pandemic. We’re all tired, but these protocols are the roadmap for a faster and more sustainable recovery," Browning added.<br /><br />As a reminder, the current COVID-19 protocols are as follows: <br />
<ul>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Maintain social distance from those outside your household at all times. </li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants serving alcohol must close by 10:30 p.m.</li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>Sporting events are limited to 100 spectators or less. Athletes must remain in stable groups of 50. </li>
<li>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.</li>
<li>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. </li>
</ul>
Because there is an immediate risk of transmission, everyone over the age of 65 or who has significant health conditions is strongly encouraged to stay out of indoor public spaces where anyone is unmasked. To avoid these settings, we recommend having groceries, medical prescriptions, and other items delivered to your home. This recommendation is based on current data trends and the Nov. 29 White House Task Force report.</div>
<br />
<div class="content"></div>
<br />
<div class="attachments">This release has the following attachments:<br /><br /><a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=2574">Health Order 2020-16 City of Columbia</a><br /><a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=2575">Health Order 2020-16C Boone County</a><br /><a href="https://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/downloadfile.php?id=2576">Health Order 2020-16 FAQ</a></div>
</div>
<div id="footerline">
<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
</div>
<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
</div>
<style>
#pressrelease{ margin:20px; margin-top: 0px;}
.attachments{margin-top: -10px;}
@media print {
body {font-size: 90%; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;}
#pressrelease{ margin: 0px; }
}
</style><p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of Columbia's Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.</p>
<p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>Archived press releases can be viewed online at:
http://www.como.gov/CMS/pressreleases/directory.php</p>
<p>______________________________________________________</p>
<p>If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and follow the instructions provided at http://www.como.gov/Web_Mail/ </p><style>div{margin: 10px;}</style>