Southwest Missouri sees increased interest in COVID-19 vaccines
July 6, 2021 6:58 PM
Zachary Dodge
JOPLIN/BARTON COUNTY, Mo. – 46 patients, with three on a ventilator, are cared for at Freeman hospital in Joplin. A bleak scene for the hospital that closed their medical COVID unit in March because of a lack in hospitalizations.
“We are definitely feeling that more robust more contagious strain,” says Freeman Health System Infection Prevention Manager Jessica Liberty.
According to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, as of 7/5, more than half a million cases of COVID-19 have occurred in the state; nearly five thousand of those occurring from 6/27 to 7/3. The death toll continues to creep closer to 10 thousand.