Lines form for Black Friday while health officials urge for caution

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services released guidance ahead of the busy shopping season.

The department advised both customers and employees to stay at home if they're sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.

The county asked residents to avoid visibly large crowds when social distancing may be difficult, take advantage of curbside pick-up or delivery options and use contactless payment options if possible.

The guidance goes on to suggest shoppers bring hand sanitizer while they are shopping and to bring their own disinfectant wipes for shopping carts.

Boone County also has guidance for retailers. The county is encouraging staff and employees stay home if sick or have been exposed to COVID-19.

The Health Department is also asking retailers to consider hosting sales over multiple days to reduce the number of people in the building at one time.