Mayor cites hopeful figures regarding COVID-19

Joplin officials cited some hopeful figures regarding COVID-19 in the city's briefing Monday morning at City Hall. "As of today we have 55 active cases in Joplin and 5 of those are hospitalized," Joplin Mayor Ryan Stanley said. "Those are improving numbers so we do feel like we are definitely moving in the right direction," he added. Stanley said a combined total of 36 coronavirus patients are being treated as inpatients at Freeman and Joplin Hospitals. Stanley said although the numbers look somewhat better, continued diligence will be needed in coming days and weeks.