COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With positive cases of COVID-19 fluctuating every day in Boone County and across the state, the Columbia/Boone County Health Department is modifying its order starting Monday.

The update was announced on Thursday, as the full order was also extended until the end of August. It comes as Saturday saw a 53 case increase, while only 10 cases were reported Sunday. There are 1,408 total cases as of Sunday, with 240 currently active.

Two main rules were added on Thursday — restaurant and bar patrons must remain seated and wear masks when not seated and groups wanting to have large events must submit plans 30 days in advance.

The department cited the increase in the county’s active cases as justifications for the extension and new provisions.

The new rules for restaurants and bars require patrons to be seated at all times unless they are entering or leaving the business or using a restroom. Groups of restaurant and bar patrons are also now limited to 10 people.

Many restaurants and bars in Columbia have already been practicing these orders, like Flat Branch Pub and Brewing. The general manager Paul Huesgen said the restaurant has gotten used to adapting to the changes that have come during the pandemic.

“It’s a new puzzle every other week or so,” Huesgen said.

As active cases of the virus went up, Huesgen said they scaled back dining services to keep employees and the community safe from the virus. He said while another shutdown wouldn’t be easy, they are more equipped to handle it.

“It wouldn’t be our first dance I suppose,” Huesgen said. “As much as we do not want to do that we could do that pretty easily.”

He said the patrons have been very receptive and grateful for the caution being taken during the pandemic. While keeping business going is important, Huesgen said safety of staff and clients is the most important thing.

“My granddad ran some restaurants and he said you take car of the people, and they’ll take care of you,” Huesgen said. “So we have an extra eye towards safety.”

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