ST. LOUIS, MO — In response to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases across the region, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page announced today that a new mask mandate will take effect starting this week. The decision comes as local hospitals face growing pressure from the rise in infections, with public health officials urging residents to take the situation seriously.
The new order requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear masks indoors in public spaces. The mandate will apply to businesses, schools, and public transportation within St. Louis County, which includes both the city of St. Louis and surrounding suburban areas. Dr. Page emphasized that the health and safety of the community remains the top priority.
Health Data Drives the Decision
According to the latest data from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, the region has seen a sharp increase in COVID-19 infections in recent weeks. The county’s case rate has nearly doubled, prompting health officials to reconsider their approach to managing the pandemic.
“We have to take action now to prevent our hospitals from becoming overwhelmed,” said Dr. Page during the announcement. “This mandate is a step we need to take to protect our community and ensure that our healthcare system does not collapse under the weight of this surge.”
The mask mandate comes as local hospitals report an increase in the number of COVID-19 patients, with many needing intensive care. According to Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services, COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state have surged by more than 20% over the past month.
Dr. Page noted that the decision to implement a mask mandate was not made lightly. It followed discussions with local health experts, hospital leaders, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who advised that masks are one of the most effective tools to slow the spread of the virus, especially with the emergence of the Delta variant.
The Impact on Businesses and Schools
For many businesses in St. Louis County, the new mandate means an immediate return to stricter operational guidelines. Employers will be required to ensure that their staff and customers are following the mask-wearing rules. Failure to comply could result in fines or penalties.
“We understand that these measures are challenging for our businesses, but they are essential for the greater good,” said Dr. Page. “The sooner we can control the spread, the sooner we can return to a sense of normalcy.”
The mask mandate will also apply to schools, where students, staff, and visitors will need to wear masks indoors. Local school districts, including the Rockwood School District, have already begun preparing for the implementation of the new rules.
“We are committed to ensuring that our schools remain safe and open for in-person learning,” said Dr. Page. “Masks are a small but necessary part of keeping our students and staff healthy.”
For parents and students, the mask mandate means adjusting once again to health protocols that were in place during previous waves of the pandemic. However, many parents have expressed their support for the decision, noting that the health of students and teachers should take precedence.
What You Need to Know
As St. Louis County begins enforcing the new mask mandate, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant in their personal health practices. In addition to mask-wearing, officials are urging individuals to practice social distancing, wash hands frequently, and stay home when feeling ill.
The County’s health department has made clear that the mask mandate will be closely monitored, with adjustments made as needed depending on local case numbers and hospital capacities.
“We are hopeful that this mandate, along with continued vaccination efforts, will help us move beyond this surge,” Dr. Page said. “But we need everyone to do their part in protecting each other.”
Vaccination continues to be a key factor in mitigating the spread of COVID-19, and health officials are urging eligible residents to get vaccinated. According to the St. Louis County Health Department, nearly 70% of adults in the region have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, but the effort must continue.
The county is also ramping up efforts to provide more vaccination sites and outreach to communities that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
Conclusion: A Community Effort
The return of a mask mandate is a stark reminder that the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. While many are eager to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, officials stress that only by working together can the region overcome the current surge. The mask mandate is one piece of a broader effort to protect public health and prevent further strain on the healthcare system.
As St. Louis County navigates this critical period, Dr. Page’s call for community cooperation is clear: “We are all in this together, and together, we will get through it.”
For ongoing updates and more information on the mask mandate, residents can visit the St. Louis County Department of Public Health website.
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