The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to decline in Joplin, and there’s free COVID testing available today in Springfield. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

One year ago, the Joplin health department reported about 5,900 confirmed COVID-19 cases. While the number of new cases has fallen dramatically since the start of the new year, Joplin has nearly tripled the number of new cases due to more transmissible Omicron variant. According to AllThingsMissouri.org, the city’s health department reported 13,466 total cases on Monday afternoon. Over the past two weeks, Joplin has experienced an 80% drop in the number of new cases.

Free COVID testing continues to be available, including today in Springfield between from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm at the Springfield Cardinals Parking Lot South of Hammons Field between Trafficway and St. Louis St. And Every Thursday from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm at the Joseph Newman Innovation Center at 407 Pennsylvania North Parking Lot directly across the street from Joplin Health Department. Results will be available as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after the event. Visit health.mo.gov/communtitytest for more information. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro