Health Archives

Columbia Fire Department using new methods to preserve N95 masks

April 1, 2020 5:22 PM Connor Hirsch

“We want to do our part to conserve that supply, it lessens the strain on that supply of N95 masks that our health care providers really need.”

The MU textile and apparel department making masks for MU Health

April 1, 2020 8:57 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The MU Textile and Apparel Management Department is now using its equipment to help against the spread of COVID-19. Claudine Barner, an instructor in the Textile and Apparel Department at MU, is working along with other professors and graduate students to cut masks out of approved fabric for health care workers to

Temporary shelter for homeless community in Columbia faces uncertainty

April 1, 2020 6:01 PM Sydney Olsen

A temporary shelter for the population in Columbia facing homelessness is facing uncertainty.

Study highlights how long COVID-19 can live on certain surfaces

March 31, 2020 8:00 PM Zach Boetto

A study shows COVID-19 can live on surfaces for up to two to three days. Dr. Jen Ashton, the chief health and medical editor and chief medical correspondent for ABC News spoke about the longevity of the virus in an interview with David Muir. “The New England Journal of Medicine in laboratory settings, found three

Stress eating common during stressful times; COVID-19 immunity foods don’t exist

March 31, 2020 5:24 PM Connor Hirsch

As the COVID-19 outbreak shuts down businesses and keeps people in their homes, many are finding themselves in the pantry more than usual.

Small businesses feel financial hit, criticism as COVID-19 pandemic continues

March 31, 2020 12:10 PM Amber Tabeling

Small businesses everywhere have felt the effects of COVID-19, as many were forced to close their doors or adjust to new regulations in place to control the pandemic.

Interview: MU Health Care making room for possible COVID-19 influx

March 31, 2020 10:33 AM Zara Barker

MU Health Care Associate Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mark Wakefield joined ABC 17 News live Tuesday to discuss the efforts surrounding COVID-19.

Columbia police take extra precautions during COVID-19

March 30, 2020 7:06 PM Sydney Olsen

Officers at the Columbia Police Department are working to protect themselves as the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to rise in Missouri and Boone County.

Residents can still use parks during stay-at-home order but officials urge social distancing

March 30, 2020 5:48 PM Connor Hirsch

As stay-at-home orders come down across Mid-Missouri and the state, officials say citizens can still get outside and enjoy the spring weather while keeping social distancing in mind.

Columbia teachers prep for “brand new” way of teaching after spring break

March 29, 2020 5:42 PM Connor Hirsch

With stay-at-home orders in place across Mid-Missouri hoping to slow the spread of COVID-19, school is already looking a lot different for students and teachers.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Parson daily COVID-19 briefing

March 28, 2020 2:56 PM Sydney Olsen

As of Saturday, the state health department said at least 838 state residents have tested positive for COVID-19.

Missouri seeking unemployment, mental health help in federal disaster declaration

March 26, 2020 8:17 PM Lucas Geisler

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) The state needs federal help to keep up with a crush of unemployment claims, according to the governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration. ABC 17 News obtained the request sent by Gov. Mike Parson on March 23 to President Donald Trump to help with the COVID-19 pandemic. The request asks

Mental health experts offer advice for coping with COVID-19 related stress

March 26, 2020 11:48 AM Connor Hirsch

Psychiatric experts with the University of Missouri Health Care system are warning about the mental health effects of coronavirus-related stress and isolation.

State agencies looking at sites to convert into medical facilities

March 26, 2020 5:15 PM Lucas Geisler

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) Several state agencies are working together to find sites capable of converting into medical facilities if needed. Gov. Mike Parson said the state’s Medicaid chief, Todd Richardson, was looking into the issue alongside the State Emergency Management Agency. Parson said the groups were also working with the U.S. Army Corps of

Rush on paper products still underway in Columbia grocery stores

March 26, 2020 11:16 AM Joe McLean

Fewer than 48 hours after a stay-at-home order took effect in Columbia, paper towels, napkins and toilet paper appear to be the products toughest to keep in stock.

Boone County medical director expects COVID-19 cases to rise, hopes for smaller spike

March 25, 2020 2:19 PM Connor Hirsch

“I think we are going to see more cases for sure,” said Ashley Millham, medical director of Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health. “But I hope it’s a slower rise and a shorter peak.”

Stay-at-home order compliance will be complaint driven

March 24, 2020 8:52 PM Sydney Olsen

A stay-at-home order will go into effect in Boone County and Columbia at 8 a.m. Wednesday morning. Under that order, city and health officials will be able to take action if businesses or individuals do not comply with the order.

WEDNESDAY UPDATES: Hy-Vee offers bonuses to employees working during pandemic

March 25, 2020 5:56 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back throughout the day for more updates on COVID-19.

Jefferson City hospitals capable of holding over 200 patients

March 25, 2020 9:31 PM Zach Boetto

Numbers from the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services show the two major Jefferson City health care providers have a total of 268 licensed beds.

Columbia, Boone County leaders issue stay-at-home order to slow COVID-19

March 24, 2020 5:31 AM Joe McLean

Columbia Mayor Brian Treece said Tuesday that city and county officials will implement a stay at home order to fight the spread of COVID-19.