Health Archives

Hundreds of Columbia Public School students quarantining

September 2, 2021 3:45 AM Ben Fein

Columbia Public Schools is reporting all four high schools, all seven middle schools and 17 out of 21 elementary schools currently have students out due to COVID-19.

Coronavirus quarantines rise as students return to classrooms

August 30, 2021 11:58 AM Lucas Geisler

Quarantines have gone up in school districts due to people testing positive for COVID-19 or for exposure to it. Columbia Public Schools reported 117 students and five workers in either isolation or quarantine on Monday. Jefferson City School District reported seven active student cases and four active staff cases, with a close contact in each category.

MSHSAA talks COVID-19 restrictions ahead of Friday Night Football

August 27, 2021 4:51 AM Ben Fein

The Missouri State High School Activities Association released guidance ahead of fall sports and activities beginning for high schools across the state.

One of the first MO VIP winners, Cooper Norton, 12, with his family.

Gov. Parson announces first ‘MO VIP’ winners

August 25, 2021 9:30 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Gov. Mike Parson’s office announced the first round of MO VIP winners Wednesday. MO VIP is the state’s vaccine incentive program offering $10,000 cash to adults chosen and a $10,000 scholarship for adolescents chosen. “They were on the fence about whether or not to get vaccinated and, and this was kind of

Health experts to soon recommend a third coronavirus vaccine dose for everyone

August 17, 2021 5:49 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Vaccine makers are preparing for a next possible phase of the coronavirus vaccine rollout, which would allow for booster shots for all Americans, not just those with weakened immune systems. On Thursday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized third doses of both the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines for certain immunocompromised

MU Health Care prepares to give third doses of coronavirus vaccines

August 13, 2021 3:46 PM Lucas Geisler

The health care provider said anyone who might qualify for another shot of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines may get one at any of its clinics.

A vial of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine and syringes sit prepared at a pop up vaccine clinic on April 16 in New York City. The U.S. will begin shipping more than 3 million additional Covid-19 vaccines to certain Central American countries

CDC panel set to discuss booster shots after FDA authorization

August 13, 2021 5:27 AM Zola Crowder

The CDC advisory panel is set to meet Friday and must issue a recommendation to distribute the booster shots.

THURSDAY UPDATES: Roots N Blues Festival will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for entry

August 12, 2021 5:27 AM ABC 17 News Team

The Roots N Blues Festival will require either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain entry into the festival. Festival officials are asking attendees to bring four things to enter: a valid government issued IDproof of vaccinationor a negative covid test obtained less than 72 hours before entry is required. Children will

All of Mid-Missouri still in high transmission level of COVID-19

August 11, 2021 6:00 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) As the delta variant continues to spread across Missouri, the most recent state profile report shows all but three counties in the “red zone” or high transmission level of COVID-19. Missouri State Profile ReportDownload Currently, 112 counties in Missouri, including all of Mid-Missouri, are in the “red zone.” Two counties, Pemiscot and

Registration closes Wednesday for first round of Missouri vaccine incentives

August 10, 2021 6:29 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Since Gov. Mike Parson announced the vaccine incentive program in Missouri in July, 375,000 Missourians have signed up for a chance to win $10,000. Acting director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Robert Knodell said there has been an increase in vaccinations since the vaccine program was announced. “Vaccinations

Columbia City Council rejects mask mandate

August 9, 2021 6:19 PM Zach Boetto

Dozens of protestors against the mask mandate gathered in front of city hall before pouring into the council chambers.

Mayor of Columbia favors vaccine action over mask mandate

August 6, 2021 11:02 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The mayor of Columbia said efforts should lean toward people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 instead of debating a mask mandate. This comes as the city plans to meet Monday to possibly mandate masks once again. The Columbia City Council is set to discuss an emergency ordinance, which, if passed, would require everyone

Health officials reminding residents of value of vaccines as Callaway County under hotspot advisory

August 6, 2021 5:57 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Callaway County is the latest addition to the growing list of counties under hotspot advisories in Mid-Missouri. Health officials are reminding residents of the value of vaccines as cases increase in the county. Currently 33.5% of residents in Callaway County are fully vaccinated, but experts say at least 70% to 80% of

Vaccinations steadily increase as incentive program nears first drawing for winners

August 5, 2021 5:40 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) Gov. Mike Parson announced the vaccine incentive program on July 21, and since then vaccinations have steadily increased across the state. According to the state’s vaccine dashboard, health officials have given out an average of 13,000 vaccines each day over the past week. Before the incentives were announced, the seven-day average of

WEDNESDAY UPDATES: Boone County reports second death in two days; 935 active coronavirus cases

August 4, 2021 5:45 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back here for updates on the COVID-19 pandemic in Missouri.

A full house for the Aug. 2 Columbia City Council meeting.

Columbia health department director proposes more masking in Columbia

August 2, 2021 11:14 PM Zach Boetto

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services director asked the Columbia City Council on Monday to consider having masks again in city facilities. “I really believe everybody should be wearing their mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status, because we need to protect our kids, we need to protect people that are

MU Health Care COVID-19 testing site opens Monday

August 2, 2021 4:11 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) MU Health Care is opening a dedicated COVID-19 test collection site on Monday as the demand for testing continues to increase in Mid-Missouri. The testing site will be a fast, convenient option for those with known exposure or mild symptoms, or those who just need a travel test. The testing site is

coronavirus corona novel masks 3m mask breath

THURSDAY UPDATES: Springfield-Greene County withdraws request for alternate care site for coronavirus patients

July 29, 2021 4:26 AM ABC 17 News Team

Check back for updates related to the coronavirus pandemic in Mid-Missouri.

Dangerous Mid-Missouri heat increases risks for pets

July 28, 2021 4:23 AM Ben Fein

As Mid-Missouri is expecting to see temperatures reach the upper 90’s this week, pets are at an increased risk for heat related illness or injury.

More than 57,000 Missourians could be mandated to get vaccine pending White House decision

July 28, 2021 5:58 AM Zola Crowder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The White House is strongly considering requiring federal employees to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19, or submit regular testing and wear a mask at all times. On Tuesday, Pres. Joe Biden said this was “under consideration,” and is expected to announce the mandate Thursday. According to data from Missouri’s Economic Research