Springfield Mayor Ken McClure says he will withdraw the city’s “Sixth Proclamation of Civil Emergency” effective 11:59 p.m. Thursday to coincide with the midnight repeal of the ordinance containing local COVID-19 regulations.
“I am very proud of our community and grateful that there no longer appears to exist a state of civil emergency,” McClure said. “We would not be at this point had it not been for our community’s brave, innovative and critical work in the battle against COVID-19. It has not been easy. Thank you.”
Local health leaders say the virus is becoming an endemic disease for communities across the world. It is and will be a regular part of the community and will continue to affect people, particularly those who are unvaccinated.
Acting Springfield-Greene County Health Director Katie Towns says at the height of cases and hospitalizations, public policy was necessary to protect the health of people in the community. “Masking, physical distancing, and other restrictions were instituted to prevent spread and reduce the devastating impact of the disease,” Towns said. “The ordinance has served its two primary purposes, to protect our health care system from being overwhelmed and protect our community’s most vulnerable.”