After starting June with no active cases in the city, Joplin entered July at the heart of one of the country’s fastest growing coronavirus hot spots. The hospital is bumping against capacity as coronavirus cases pile up and doctors work their way through a backlog of non-emergency procedures. Meanwhile, the one measure that medical experts say could turn the coronavirus tide — widespread use of masks — has become mired in politics. Last week, the city recorded its first two coronavirus deaths. Wearing a mask seemed a small price to pay given the scale of the coronavirus threat.

Source: Washington Post July 04, 2020 09:56 UTC