Columbia/Boone County health officials loosen health restrictions

Boone County has loosened up its coronavirus restrictions again.

The latest health order announced Monday does continue the mask mandate, and social distancing requirements at bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues. But occupancy and group limits at most businesses are gone. Public gatherings of 250 people are possible, but the city will need to approve your operational plan.

The orders take effect at noon on Wednesday, Mar. 24, and expire at 11:59 a.m. on Apr. 14.

Boone County reported seven new coronavirus cases Monday, and active cases fell to 81. Hospitalizations remain low, at 26, and are not straining resources. Officials recorded another COVID-19 death over the weekend, for a total of 84. They say the patient was older than 80, and died on March 15. Cole County added 12 new cases Monday.

Below are the modifications to the Order.

• Occupancy limits for large gatherings or events held at businesses have been removed. Social distancing and masking are still required. (The previous order stated 50% or a maximum of 200 people.)
• Occupancy limits for entertainment venues have been removed. Social distancing and masking are still required. (The previous order stated a maximum of 200 people.)
• The limit on group size at bars, restaurants and entertainment venues has been removed. Social distancing between groups or tables is still required. Masks are still required when not seated. (The previous order stated no more than 10 persons per table.)
• At child entertainment facilities and arcades, capacity limits were removed but limiting occupancy is encouraged. (The previous order stated a maximum of 100 children with the total capacity limited to 200 individuals.)
• Childcare, day camps, and other similar providers may operate and are encouraged to limit the number of participants in any single group to a maximum of 50 children. Additional guidelines are still required. (Previously, the maximum of 50 was required.)
• Social distancing at pools should be maintained. (The previous order included language about occupancy limits for pools not monitored by an attendant.)
• Organizers of sports and activities are encouraged to conduct activities in stable groups. Social distancing requirements and face mask requirements must be met for all spectators but limits for the number of spectators have been removed. (The previous order stated stable groups of 50 participants was required and spectators were limited to 50% occupancy or 100 maximum for indoor events and 200 maximum for outdoor events.)
• Public gatherings of more than 250 people need to submit an Operational Plan for approval but social distancing and face masks are still required. (Previously, gatherings were limited to 50 people.)
• All employees who are unable to be vaccinated and are able to work from home should continue to work from home to the greatest extent possible. (The previous order stated that all employees who are able to work from home should continue doing so.)

See more info on the latest health order here.