A group of north St. Louis County Democrats are calling for a county-wide mask mandate, just after two of their own joined Republicans to vote down a mask ordinance.
Hundreds of people, mostly unmasked, gathered at a St. Louis County Council meeting last week to protest a new mask mandate. St. Louis health officials confirmed this weekend that an attendee from St. Louis tested positive for the coronavirus, and they worry the event may spark a wider outbreak of the virus. Chad Davis / St. Louis Public Radio
Originally published on August 3, 2021 4:39 pm
A circuit judge Tuesday issued a temporary restraining order blocking St. Louis County’s indoor mask mandate which only went into effect last week.
Representatives for Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt and St. Louis County argued
in court Tuesday morning. The attorney general’s office said the county’s mask order violated a new state law that restricts local leaders from issuing public health orders for businesses, churches and schools. County representatives said the mandate didn’t violate the new law because mask mandates don’t restrict or close businesses.
It was introduced the same day a judge pressed pause on the previous ordinance Author: Abby Llorico Updated: 11:11 PM CDT August 3, 2021
CLAYTON, Mo. One week after the County Council voted down the most recent mask mandate, and the day a judge ordered it can t be enforced until the mandate is discussed in court, Councilwoman Lisa Clancy (D-District 5) introduced a new mask ordinance for the county.
“We have data that shows that people are more likely to wear a mask when it s required. We also know that masking helps to stop the spread of coronavirus, Clancy told 5 On Your Side before the meeting. Wearing this simple piece of fabric over your face has a huge impact. So it is necessary.”
Associated Press
St. Louis County residents will not be required to wear masks in response to the COVID-19 pandemic for at least two more weeks, after a judge issued a temporary restraining order Tuesday against a mask mandate that was issued last month.
Circuit Judge Ellen “Nellie” Ribaudo sided with Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, who had sued to stop a mask mandate issued by St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and county health officials. She set a hearing on a preliminary injunction for Aug. 17.
Hours after the ruling, Schmitt filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn a recently reinstated mask mandate in Kansas City. The rule took effect Monday and was scheduled to last until at least Aug. 28.