93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
Local health officials say they have recorded the first known case of the U.K. variant of the coronavirus in Boone County.
Experts say it is apparently more contagious than earlier strains. It is now the most common strain in the United States.
Boone County reported 14 new coronavirus cases Friday. Active cases rose again, to 110. That’s more than double the active cases reported last Thursday (50). Hospitalizations fell a bit, to 16.
Callaway County reported six new cases over the last week. Active cases fell to 21.
Cole County reported four new positives on Friday.
More from The Associated Press:
Missouri’s Republican-led Senate has voted to ban so-called vaccine passports in the state. Senators voted 26-7 Wednesday in favor of a wide-ranging bill that includes a ban on vaccine passports. Vaccine passports are documentation that shows travelers have been vaccinated against COVID-19 or recently tested negative for the virus. Technology companies and travel-related trade groups are developing and testing out vaccine passports to encourage travel. The Missouri bill would ban any requirements that travelers show proof of vaccination in order to fly, get a taxi or use public transportation. Gov. Mike Parson has repeatedly said he won’t require vaccine passports.
(This story was last updated at 5:31 p.m. Friday.)
