New Boone County COVID-19 cases rise dramatically in first week of June

COLUMBIA Mo. (KMIZ)

The first week of June brought an increase of new COVID-19 cases to Boone County.

According to the Columbia/Boone County Public Health & Human Services COVID-19 Information Hub, there are currently 40 active COVID-19 cases in Boone County. That's an increase of four active cases from May 31. The health department has reported 39 new cases in the last seven days.

Mary Martin, the community health manager for the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services, says the rise in cases so far in the month of June is due to a number of things including warm weather.

"We were expecting a somewhat of a surge it's summertime everybody wants to be outside," Martin said.

In the last two weeks, Boone County has added 72 new COVID-19 cases, the most reported in a two-week period here since the start of the pandemic.

Between Thursday and Friday alone, Boone County saw 15 new cases of the virus.

"I know everybody gets bored with, being told to stay home. I understand that totally when it's beautiful outside. But there is a way to go outside and still be safe," Martin said.

The state had a community testing site at Hickman High School last week which was being run by the Missouri National Guard.

According to Columbia/Boone County PHSS, out of 1,142 test samples, only four came back positive.

Miller says for those who want to stay safe while protesting, it starts with a mask.

"I think that our people are going out to the protests are going there because they have a cause and they're not being deterred from their cause by this pandemic," Martin said. "There's no shame in wearing a mask and there's no shame and taking your hand sanitizer with you and having your voice heard."

The health department conducted mobile testing Monday at Derby Ridge Elementary School. A doctor's note is not needed for a test, but those being tested must show symptoms.