Joplin’s face mask mandate expires, some restrictions lifted

Face mask mandate no more for the city of Joplin. The city council voted 5-4 to let the ordinance expire Monday night. The council still does “strongly urge” that a mask be worn in public but the mandate is no longer in effect.

The city is also moving into “Phase 2 – Step 4” of its recovery plan. This means there are now NO occupancy restrictions for businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms, places of worship, swimming pools, and theaters. Mass gatherings however will be limited to 250. Social distancing will still be enforced. Food and personal service employees will still be required to wear masks when within six feet of customers.

Click here and skip to page 8 to see more about the current phase the of the city’s reopening plan

As of Monday night, the city has seen a total of 499 confirmed cases of the virus with 67 of those cases currently active. There have also been 21 deaths.