Last week, St. Louis city officials announced a mask requirement for city employees due to rising numbers of coronavirus and respiratory illness cases, but rescinded the order less than 24 hours later, according to reports. is what happened.
“Respiratory viruses each winter pose a significant health burden to our communities, and this year is no exception. Especially since the Thanksgiving holiday, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 infections have been diagnosed and hospitalized. Hospital visits are surging. Starting January 5, 2024, all infectious diseases are spiking. St. Louis City employees will be required to wear masks indoors, according to KMOX St. Louis, according to the City Health Department. The first letter sent to city officials included a mask mandate.
The letter states that influenza cases this winter have increased by 55% compared to the “highest median rate in the past five years,” while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have increased by “the highest in the past five years” within the local health and hospital system. It cited a 190% increase compared to the highest median figure for the year. Highest median value over the past 4 years. ” The health department added that 270 people were admitted to hospitals for treatment of COVID-19 in the St. Louis region during the week of Dec. 23, a 38% increase compared to the previous month's data.
But less than 24 hours after announcing an indoor mask mandate for city employees, the city of St. Louis, led by Democratic Mayor Tishaura Jones, rescinded that order and updated its guidelines to say it “strongly” recommends mask-wearing. did.
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Democratic St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones speaks at a victory party on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. (Laurie Skrivan/St. Louis, via AP, Post Dispatch, File)
“The City of St. Louis has updated its communications with staff regarding mask wearing,” a statement from Mayor Tishaura Jones' office said, according to KSDK. “The St. Louis City Health Department strongly recommends that all St. Louis City employees wear masks indoors, effective immediately.”
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The newspaper reported that local hospitals were surprised by the city's initial guidance, explaining that patient capacity was not overburdened and that there was only a seasonal increase in patients.
A nurse prepares a coronavirus vaccine at a baseball game in Springfield, Missouri, on August 5, 2021. (Getty Images)
“BJC does not see any strain on hospital capacity,” an official with local hospital system BJC Healthcare told 5 On Your Side. “We are seeing a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses, which is typical for this time of year.”
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This May 21, 2021 file photo shows a person walking outdoors with a mask in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Another local hospital, Mercy Hospital, reported another “typical winter” season, but the interim co-director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health said this year's flu outbreak was “not worrisome.” He told the same media.
“Fortunately, we haven't yet seen a surge in influenza, and while it's on the rise, it's nowhere near the levels we saw last year,” said Dr. Jim Hinrichs, interim co-director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. “It's moderate. It's not something to worry about.”
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The St. Louis skyline along the Mississippi River as seen from East St. Louis, Illinois. (Photo courtesy: Visions of America/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Jonathan Shifflett, a spokesman for Republican Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who has maintained an anti-mask mandate stance throughout the pandemic, told FOX News Digital that the governor recently said on his radio show that he opposes a new mask mandate. He said he called the government. When he learned of the city's mission, he went to St. Louis City Hall.
“Recently, Governor Parson…stated that he would intervene and oppose a new mask mandate. Governor Parson kept his word. Discussions were held with the St. Louis Mayor's Office and a new policy rescinding the previous mask mandate. announced,” Shifflett said.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson delivers the State of the State address on January 18, 2023 in Jefferson City, Missouri. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
City leaders are now “strongly” encouraging city employees to wear masks indoors, rather than requiring them to do so, given the spread of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. .
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“While the St. Louis City Health Department consistently recommends the wearing of masks, the department does not require all city residents to wear masks,” the city said in a press release, adding that residents should also stay up to date on their vaccinations. He emphasized that it should be maintained.
Fox News Digital reached out to Jones' office and Parson's office Sunday morning for additional comment on this story.
