ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - The current COVID-19 restrictions in St. Louis County which limit the reasons people should be leaving their homes will be extended for at least two more weeks.
St. Louis County Executive Sam Page announced the expansion on Monday.
"There is simply too much of the virus to lift this health protocol today," said Page. "While the numbers from our hospital systems are no longer at record levels, they remain way too high to consider removing any protocols that would jeopardize lives and result in a devastating setback to our community."
The restrictions include asking county residents to stay home unless they need to leave for essential business and necessities, such as the grocery store or a doctor's office.
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The controversial ban on indoor dining will also remain in effect under the order.
"We need, in our community, universal compliance with all our public health orders," Page urged. "The continued spread of the virus is a direct result of some people not doing best for everyone. The virus is still ranging...it will not stop because the vaccine's on the way."
Page says it's still unclear when health workers in St. Louis County will begin to receive the COVID-19 vaccine doses that are expected to be sent across the country this week.
"The cases have begun to plateau over the past three or four days, but we're not quite sure if this represents a trend."
Page credits the "safer at home" restrictions for contributing to the latest possible trend.This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
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