City of Columbia coronavirus (COVID-19) update - first death in Boone County - Wednesday, March 18 at 3:30 p.m.

(COLUMBIA, MO) - On Wednesday, March 18, Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services (PHHS) was notified that the patient, who tested positive Tuesday, March 17, for a travel-related case of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Boone County, has died. This is the first coronavirus-related death in Boone County and the state of Missouri.



This morning, the family of the patient placed a 911 call to report a medical emergency. Boone County emergency communications operators were told that the patient had tested positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19).



Emergency responders were operating under the Pandemic Disease Operations Plan and used the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the home and making contact with the patient. The patient was transported to MU Health Care where the individual later died.



Emergency responders were first isolated at MU Health Care under medical supervision and were screened for exposure protocol and potential testing. Until additional guidance is received, the six emergency responders are being quarantined in Boone County.



PHHS made notification to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as required and will continue to work with the family to trace and evaluate exposure risks.