St. Louis Department Of Health Continues To Strongly Recommend Face Masks

St. Louis MO

21 April, 2022

3:41 PM

Description

Press release from the City of St. Louis: April 19, 2022 Since early April, there has been an increase in the 7-day moving average of COVID-19 cases locally and in areas across the United States. The City of St. Louis Department of Health continues to strongly recommend wearing masks in crowded spaces, especially for passengers using public transportation. A court ruling in Florida [ecf.flmd.uscourts.gov] has struck down the mass mandate on public transportation. This decision comes as some of the most vulnerable members of our community remain at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and cases are climbing, with the BA.2 omicron subvariant, which is more contagious than its predecessor, becoming the predominant strain in the United States. Since early April there has been an increase in the 7-day moving average of cases locally and in areas across the U.S. This may be the start of a larger surge. "Although wearing mask is no longer mandated across public transportation systems individuals can still protect themselves, and assist in preventing a future surge by choosing on their own to wear masks while traveling," says Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, Director of health for the City of St. Louis. "Since you don't know the vaccination status of other travelers or whether another person is infected with COVID-19 the City of St. Louis Department of Health strongly recommends wearing a mask when traveling." Studies show mask wearing can assist in reducing the spread of the virus and certain segments of the city's population continue to need the protection of masks including: It's crucial to the health of our community that we look out for the health of our family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors through continued safety measures: The Department of Health will continue providing support to the community through vaccine clinics partnerships, making personal protective equipment available to vulnerable populations, including teachers, the unhoused, and residents in need of social support, and remaining a resource for information and guidance about COVID-19 and all community health concerns. This press release was produced by the City of St. Louis. The views expressed here are the author's own.