Area sees steady increase of COVID-19 cases

The four-state area is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases as testing has become more widely available. The city of Joplin is reporting a total of 38 cases since the pandemic began. 16 of those are currently active, but Assistant Director of City of Joplin Health Department Ryan Talken says there are more out there.

“There’s kind of a misconception that there only 16 cases here. I can guarantee you there are not. There are cases in places that you go, places that we don’t know about, places that are yet to be tested. Don’t let that give you a false sense of security,” said Talken. “What happens in Jasper County, Newton County, McDonald County–they’re all seeing an increase as well–we’re all in this together. What happens over there affects us, what happens here affects them. We’re all one region, all of us are connected.”

Talken says that 22 people have recovered from the virus in Joplin but that we are seeing an increase in community spread. “People are coming back together again, we’ve all gotten lax, I’m there as well. There’s the tea…everybody is getting tired of this,” said Talken, who reminds you to social distance and wear a mask when you go out in public places.

Talken also spoke on if increased testing is the only reason we’re seeing increased number of cases. “The answer to that is somewhat…as far as testing goes, our testing numbers have basically stayed the same but our case counts are going up and hospitalization rates are going up as well.”

Talken pleads for the public’s help. “I need everybody to stay the course, do what is right, take care of each other and wear the masks. You go to other places, Kansas City or Northwest Arkansas, and everybody is wearing a mask. It’s the norm. Not so much here. We need to change that.”

This comes as Missouri is set to fully reopen Tuesday as we enter phase two. Governor Mike Parson says there will be no statewide health order. All statewide restrictions will be lifted, though local officials will still have the authority to put further rules, regulations, or ordinances in place.