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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. 

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