City leaders in Springfield are looking for ways to protect people from the growing number of coronavirus cases in nearby Joplin.
Springfield City Council asked Springfield-Greene County Health Director Clay Goddard on Tuesday for guidance on whether the city should consider a face mask ordinance.
“The science is clear that you can reduce case transmissions in a community where you have masking as a universal approach in those public spaces.”
Goddard says he understands that requiring people to wear a face mask has become a political issue.
“I’m a proponent of the practice. We continue to urge people to utilize that practice. Whether we’re ready to take the step in requiring that is another story.”
But he says the evidence is clear that the city needs to have more people wearing masks.
“The more that we can do to drive those rates up. the better off we’re going to fare as a community.”
Council members made no decision on the issue Tuesday.
City council asked Goddard for information on an ordinance passed by Fayetteville City Council requiring people to wear masks in public.
Joplin City Council narrowly voted down a proposal this week that would have required people to wear masks in public.
