Reported cases of COVID 19 in Joplin appear to be slowing. According to the latest data Sunday from the Joplin Health Department, the 7-day average case growth rate has decreased by 10 cases per day over the past 10 days. This is down from a high three months ago of 47 new cases per day. The number of new cases that have been reported has declined nearly 35 percent in the past two weeks. Currently, the city is reporting 191 active cases and 105 COVID – 19 related deaths. According to the Missouri Department of Health COVID-19 dashboard, 21 percent of Southwest Missouri’s ICU beds are ready, with 74% of ventilator capacity available. Free COVID-19 is taking place this Friday from 9 AM until 1 PM at Access Family Care on South Maiden Lane. It’s open to all Missouri residents. No insurance is required. For more information and to register, visit health.mo.gov/community test.