The city of Joplin crossed a dire COVID-19 milestone Monday. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

The city’s health department Monday reported an additional five deaths due to COVID-19. The residents who passed included two males, ages 52 and 71; and three females, ages 60, 71 and 73. This announcement brings the total count to 160 deaths in Joplin, the same number of residents who perished in the 2011 Joplin tornado. Although, the city continues to lead in the percentage of residents who have received a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

And the first in Missouri to surpass 50% of residents to complete their COVID-19 inoculations. This Thursday, August 26 the Joplin Health Department will begin its third dose booster shot clinic. That’s Thursday from 9 until 11:30 am at the health department downtown offices at 321 E. 4th St. You can call 417-623-6122 to schedule an appointment. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro