Springfield mayor to family of first COVID-19 victim: Our hearts are with you

(From the City of Springfield)

The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is heartbroken to announce the first death of a Greene County resident from COVID-19.

The patient, a woman in her 80s, was among the four cases confirmed over the weekend from the Morningside of Springfield East assisted living facility.

The staff at Morningside have been actively working with the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. All four patients who have tested positive have been hospitalized.

“I want to take this opportunity to extend the condolences of the City Council and the entire city to this patient’s family and loved ones. We are thinking of you and wishing you peace during this very difficult time. Please know that our hearts are with you,” Springfield Mayor Ken McClure said. “I want to assure citizens that we along with our colleagues are working around the clock to put measures into place to ensure our citizens’ safety. I promise you as your mayor and on behalf of my colleagues on City Council that we will get through this together.”

“This is certainly very sad news today, and the thoughts and prayers of the Greene County Commission are with the entire family,” Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said. “In times of crisis and amid news like we are delivering here tonight, we are asking during these challenging times, that our entire region continue to come together. When we act together to take preventative actions in the interests of our families, our neighborhoods and our communities, there are fewer reasons for us to fear.” 

The City of Springfield and Greene County are expected to announce stricter “stay-at-home” directives on Tuesday, according to Cora Scott, City of Springfield director of Public Information & Civic Engagement.

Archived video of briefings on COVID-19, including this announcement, is available at https://livestream.com/sgfcityview/covid19.

For more information about COVID-19, visit our website at health.springfieldmo.gov/coronavirus, email coronavirus@springfieldmo.gov, or call 417-874-1211.