Joplin residents can now legally not wear a mask in public if they chose to. The city’s mandate expired yesterday, and mayor Ryan Stanley announced last week that he would not seek an extension. However, you will be required to wear a mask if you visit any of Freeman Health System’s offices. Freeman President and CEO speaking on Friday about the mask mandate. “In order to protect others, I think it’s very important that people continue to wear their masks. Still, there’s many people who haven’t been vaccinated, even if you are you still could pose a threat to others. It’s the right thing to do.” Visitors to Mercy hospitals and offices will also be required to wear masks. The organization released a statement Friday saying in part, quote, “We’re all tired of it, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, especially if we keep following best practices for a little while longer. We urge everyone to please wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands.” Unquote.