The number of new coronavirus cases continues to decline in Southwest Missouri, although the virus continues to take lives. K R P S’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.   

On Thursday, Jasper county health officials announced six additional Covid-19 related deaths, bringing the county’s total death toll due to the virus to 149. The residents were three men in their 70s, one man in his 90s, one woman in her 40s, and one woman in her 70s.

The overall picture of coronavirus cases in Jasper county, which excludes Joplin is improving. New Covid-19 cases over the past two weeks are down nearly 49% percent. Any Missouri resident 60 years and old is now eligible to schedule their first shot of the Covid-19 at Cox Health’s Springfield, Monnett, and Barton county locations. While any Covid-19 vaccine is free of cost, you must provide your health insurance important when registering. To register and for more information, visit CoxHealth.com/vaccine.