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Face masks mandated in Joplin through February

City council votes 6-3 in favor

In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Joplin City Council has, once again, voted to approve an ordinance that requires the use of face masks within city limits.

Those voting ‘no’ were councilmen Shaw, Lawson and Stinnett.

This means if you are six years or older and are inside a public facility or business, you will be required to wear a face mask, face-covering, or even a face shield as long as it covers your mouth and nostrils.

The ordinance also requires you to wear one while on public transit and outside when social distancing is not possible in groups of ten or more persons who are not members of the same family or household.

It remains in effect until February 28, 2021, at 11:59 p.m., unless extended or terminated prior by the council.

Enforcement first focuses on the education and promotion of techniques used to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, with an opportunity for compliance. This will then be followed by a warning, and a civil citation, if necessary. You could be fined up to $50, at a court’s discretion.

The City of Joplin says local law enforcement and other city officials will act in a support capacity to businesses that need to enforce the use of masks upon their premises.

There are several exceptions to the mandate, including for bar or restaurant patrons while they are dining or consuming a drink.

Click here to see the ordinance in full

You’ll remember that the first mandate went into effect July 11th and lasted until August 17th. At that point in time, the city had less than 250 total confirmed cases with 13 deaths related to the virus.

Currently, the city of Joplin is reporting a total of nearly 3,200 cases with 59 deaths related to the virus.

You can see an updated version of the city’s numbers

This latest decision comes just days after area healthcare entities sent a letter to local leaders asking for a face mask mandate.

Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths related to COVID-19 rise across the area but officials believe a vaccine could be approved in the coming weeks and then soon be distributed to healthcare workers and the most vulnerable.

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