Unlike during the early weeks and months into the pandemic, testing is now available widely throughout the state for free, including Southwest Missouri. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

For months now, COVID-19 hospitalizations and positive cases have trended downwards. Last Wednesday Freeman President and CEO Paula Baker reported only 14 COVID patients. Although on Monday, the Joplin Health Department reported an over 66% increase in the number of positive cases from the previous week The department reported 27 new cases on Monday. Testing remains a very important tool in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Missouri Department of Health is now offering two options for FREE COVID-19 testing. At in-person events throughout the state, including today at Mother’s Brewing Company in Springfield. And in Joplin on Thursday at the Joseph Newman Innovation Center. Both events are open from 10 am until 6 pm. Missouri residents may also order a free COVID test that includes free FedEx returning shipping. Visit health.mo.gov/communitytest for more information. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro