Mayor Shaw on COVID-19: We're in the fourth quarter and two touchdowns ahead, but don't break out the sparkling grape juice

Things are looking good, Joplin Mayor Gary Shaw said during this morning's COVID-19 briefing, but it is not quite time to reopen the city for business.

"We're in the fourth quarter and we're ahead by two touchdowns," Shaw said, but he cautioned, "It's not time to pour out the sparkling grape juice- I don't drink champagne."

Fortunately for those who viewed the video of the briefing, it cut out a few seconds later, before any other metaphors or cliches escaped the mayor's lips.








Shaw opened his portion of the briefing with a visual aid.

"I even have my little mask," he said, holding it in front of him, then he joked about some thought he might look better with it on.

He placed the mask on the lectern, dashing the hopes of those who hoped he might offer a demonstration.

Shaw noted that there had been no new cases of COVID-19 reported in Joplin.

Missouri Southern update

The briefing also included an update from Missouri Southern State University President Alan Marble, who said, "All of our seniors will graduate, but our commencement had to be postponed."







Marble noted that Sen. Roy Blunt had been scheduled to be the speaker and has said he will try to reschedule if the university is able to hold the commencement this summer. The possibility of a virtual commencement was also mentioned.

No faculty or staff at MSSU has contracted the coronavirus, Marble said, but two students, neither of whom lived in the residence halls did.

The university is receiving $4.8 million in CARES Act funds, with half of that going to the students and the other half to help the university with its COVID-19 related costs.

Update on the Chamber's Tesla offer

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce President Toby Teeter said that while the Chamber has not heard anything from Tesla about its offer of a $1 billion incentive package to locate a factory in Joplin, the resulting national publicity from the offer drew the attention of other companies who have contacted Joplin.

The Chamber received a shipment of 30,000 protective masks Thursday night, Teeter said, with 40 essential businesses and senior care facilities receiving them today and Monday.