Columbia health director asks for mask requirement in city buildings

Columbia’s health director is proposing a new mask requirement for city buildings.

Stephanie Browning told the city council Monday night she believes everyone should be wearing a mask indoors, regardless of vaccination status. But she did not say that the whole city or county should reinstate a mask mandate.

Boone County reported 124 new coronavirus cases Monday. Active cases rose to 800, which is their highest point since mid-January. Hospitalizations are also up, to 101. Hospitals in Boone are operating at “yellow” status, meaning resources are strained and some surgeries are being delayed.

Cole County added 134 new positives over the weekend.