Missouri COVID-19 Update

On Tuesday, Carl Junction Mayor Mark Powers, Arthur J. Mayor Dan Reif, and a Web City Mayor, Lynn Ragsdale, each signed a joint statement responding to the plea for help from Freeman Inn, Mercy Hospitals, and Joplin on Monday. The two largest hospitals in the area issued a joint statement saying that each facility was nearing capacity because of the rise in COVID-19 cases. The mayor's joint statement said in part, quote, the cities of Carl Junction, Carthage, and Web City jointly encourage our good citizens to double down on your COVID protocols, unquote. Separately, late Tuesday, Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley issued a comment of his own saying in part, quote, we appreciate our healthcare leaders reaching out to us for assistance. This is an opportunity to work together in collaboration with our neighboring communities to act in unison to combat the spread of COVID-19, unquote. Late Wednesday, the Joplin City Council announced that they would hold the special sessions starting to nine at six to consider a mask mandate. You can watch the broadcast in the Joplin area on channel 21 or online at the city's website, joplinmo.org.

For KRPS, I'm Fred Fletcher-Fierro in Web City.