Trump Saves NATO
John Fetterman's Remarks About the Dem Candidate for NYC Mayor Hit the Bullseye
You Won't Be Surprised How Democrats Voted on Anti-ICE Riots in LA
Trump Just Dropped a Trade Bomb on Canada
Just Hours After SCOTUS Ruling, They Filed Another Challenge to Trump's Birthright Citizen...
President Trump’s Big, Beautiful Bill — America’s Retribution
Tom Homan Explodes While Calling For More ICE Funding
Leading Economist Admits Trump Outsmarted Everyone on Tariffs
Trump Takes a Second Victory Lap by Brokering African Peace Deal
Jet-Setting Hypocrisy: Climate Preachers Burn Fuel to Party at Bezos’ $100 Million Wedding
Trump Delivers on TPS Promise: DHS Ends Protected Status for 500,000 Haitians
Reactions Pour in After Historic SCOTUS Ruling About Parental Rights in Education
New Poll Shows How Americans Feel About 'Politically-Motivated Violence'
Chairman Comer Calls on Major Players From Biden White House to Appear for...
Is Kathy Hochul Supporting Mamdani for Mayor or Not?
Tipsheet
Premium

Here's What Happened Shortly After a St. Louis Official Announced a Mask Mandate for City Employees

More than a year and a half after St. Louis City dropped its COVID-19 mask mandate, city employees were stunned to receive an email from the Department of Health ordering they mask up, effective immediately, once again. And not just because of COVID. 

The city's health director, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, cited flu cases that are “55 percent higher than the highest median value of the past five years,” and rising RSV cases as well. 

“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,” she cautioned.  

The throwback mandate was short-lived, however, with the city issuing an update less than 24 hours later after local hospitals disputed the letter’s claims.

"BJC is not seeing a strain on hospital capacity," BJC Health Care officials told 5 On Your Side. We are experiencing a seasonal increase in respiratory illness, which is typical for this time of year." 

Mercy Hospital described it as a "typical winter." St. Louis County said they haven't seen any out-of-the-ordinary strains on the health system.

"Luckily our influenza has not spiked yet and it is going up, but it's not nearly what it was last year," according to Dr. Jim Hinrichs, the interim co-director of the St. Louis County Department of Public Health. "It's moderate. It's not alarming." (5 On Your Side)

While the statement from area hospitals was important, the downgrade to “strongly recommended” also came after a call with Republican Gov. Mike Parson. 

Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt blasted the short-lived 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,” he said. 

Recommended

Trending on Townhall Videos

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement