The city of St. Louis recently underwent a rapid fluctuation in its mask mandate, experiencing a series of changes within a short span. As per reports from the Times, the initial announcement by the city’s Department of Health mandated indoor masks for city workers on Thursday. However, this decision quickly reversed course.
Shortly after the announcement of the mandate, the health department reversed its decision, opting to only “strongly recommend” indoor mask-wearing for employees. The abrupt shift puzzled many, leading city spokesman Nick Dunne to provide clarification, although details regarding the specific reasons for the change remained elusive. The Times attributed the policy reversal to the office of Missouri Governor Mike Parson. According to the governor’s spokesperson, Johnathan Shiflett, they took credit, asserting that Governor Parson “kept his promise.” Governor Parson, who is recognized for his opposition to mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, appeared to have influenced this swift change in policy.
Predictably, the mandate sparked controversy, especially among conservatives. Senator Eric Schmitt expressed his disagreement, highlighting the importance of individual decision-making and pledging to oppose what he characterized as “COVID tyranny.”
Despite the change in direction, the city’s health department underscored the significance of wearing masks for both city employees and the general public. Through a press release, they urged everyone to wear masks indoors, citing the increasing cases of COVID-19, flu, and RSV in the region. A health department update provided clarification on the gravity of the situation.
St. Louis witnessed a 38% rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations, a staggering 455% surge in influenza cases, and a 34% increase in RSV between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The St. Louis health department emphasized the city’s hospitalization rate, categorizing it as a medium-risk according to the CDC. While not enforcing mask mandates for all residents, the department underscored the significance of adhering to precautions to avoid straining the healthcare system.
In conclusion, the health department urged residents to adopt additional measures, such as staying current with vaccines, undergoing testing if experiencing symptoms, and remaining vigilant in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses.
