The abrupt end to a mask mandate for city workers in St. Louis, Missouri, just hours after its announcement, has brought back into focus the ongoing debates and worries about enforcing mask mandates amid rising cases of respiratory diseases.
What’s the Deal?
The St. Louis Department of Health announced on Thursday that city employees must wear masks indoors from Friday, following a reported surge in respiratory illnesses.
Mask Mandate Flip-Flop
This move aligns with actions in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington, D.C., where similar mask mandates have been reintroduced. The CDC confirms a 12.7% national increase in positive Covid cases in the week leading up to December 23, compared to the previous week.
Alarming Spike in Winter Viruses
Addressing the fast-paced rise in winter virus cases, the St. Louis Health Department told employees in a letter, “With activity of winter viruses rising at such a rapid pace, we must take action to slow transmission and prevent strain on our hospital systems.”
Masks On, Masks Off
Despite their initial statement, the St. Louis Health Department reversed its decision by Friday afternoon. City spokesman Nick Dunne clarified that they now only “strongly recommend” employees to wear masks indoors rather than enforcing a mandate.
While Dunne didn’t elaborate on the reasons for the policy shift, the office of Missouri Governor Mike Parson claimed responsibility.
Anti-Mask Mandate Stand
Johnathan Shiflett, a representative for the Republican governor known for his opposition to mask mandates, told Newsweek that Parson had recently expressed on a radio show his readiness to oppose new mask mandates.
Governor Parson Delivers on Promise
“Governor Parson kept his word,” Shiflett stated. “A conversation was had with the St. Louis Mayor’s Office, and a new policy has been issued reversing the earlier mask mandate as a result.”
Urgent Call
In a press release, the city’s health department urged the community to mask up in indoor public settings and crowded places due to a spike in COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases.
Rapid Rise in Cases
The release emphasized, “While none of these viruses are new or more deadly than in seasons past, the rapidly rising number of reported cases and hospitalizations suggests that more precautions are necessary to avoid strain on the healthcare system.”
Conservatives Disapprove
Conservatives strongly objected to the continued mask mandate. “Individuals have a right to make their own decisions when it comes to wearing masks – I fought these ridiculous mandates when I was Missouri’s Attorney General, and I will continue to do everything in my power to fight COVID tyranny,” stated Republican Senator Eric Schmitt.
COVID-19 and Influenza Surge
On Friday, the department amended its previous release for better clarity. The update stated that in the St. Louis Health Service Area, COVID-19 hospitalizations increased by 38%, influenza cases jumped by 455%, and RSV grew by 34% in the month following Thanksgiving.
Medium Risk Alert
The city’s current hospitalization rate of 15.5 per 100,000 residents places it in the CDC’s medium risk category, with masking advised for higher risk levels. “The City of St. Louis Department of Health has consistently recommended masking, and the department is not mandating masks for City residents at large,” the department stated.
Taking Control
Additionally, the department urged the community to implement further strategies to curb the spread of respiratory viruses. This includes keeping vaccinations up to date and pursuing testing and treatment if symptoms develop.
Surge in Hospitalizations
Recent data reveals that New England and the southeastern states have witnessed some of the most significant increases in virus-related hospitalizations this past week. The CDC reported a 12.7% national rise in positive cases in the week leading up to December 23, compared to the previous week.
More Mask Mandates
Mask mandates have been in effect in Marin County hospitals since November 1 and in Santa Clara County since April 4. Meanwhile, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston has mandated masks for both patients and staff starting December 18.
Do Masks Really Work?
While the scientific community holds varied views on mask efficacy, many agree that masks, combined with hand washing, social distancing, and vaccination, are effective in preventing virus transmission.
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