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Let’s recap: Some Columbia, MO city leaders are concerned with @Mizzou’s Show Me Renewal plan to combat COVID-19. In last night’s city council meeting, the question of whether the @Como_HealthDept director has authority to force MU to change parts of their response was asked 2x.
Health Department Director Stephanie Browning told the council there was a 206% increase in Boone County cases after Mizzou’s first two weeks of class. She said generally 18-22 year olds, which amount for a majority of new cases, were using masks as a substitute for distancing.
Councilwoman Pat Fowler said she was “stunned” to hear Mizzou’s isolation housing is extended to on-campus students only. Browning said ideally MU should offer housing to any student that tests positive, but acknowledged the space is hard to come by.
Multiple council members expressed concern over accessible testing. Mayor Brian Treece said he wants more testing with “no questions asked” where people can get tested as often as desired. Browning announced the National Guard will be back next week to do free community testing.
The city health ordinance requiring face masks and limiting bar hours was extended for 3 weeks. Browning said she thinks it’s working to mitigate spread, but a full picture of transmission over Labor Day won’t be available for up to 2 weeks, making it too early to warrant action.
