Health officials in the Ozarks are concerned about a possible spike in COVID-19 among children when they go back to school this fall.
Currently there are four children, under age 10, being treated at the two hospitals in Springfield.
President and CEO of Cox Health Steve Edwards says he is concerned that many school districts are not requiring masking this year.
He says masking is the best protection for kids, under twelve, until the vaccine is approved for them.