ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KMOX) updated - A St. Louis County judge has issued an injunction and blocked the county from enforcing a mask mandate.
Circuit Judge Ellen Ribaudo asked the county and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office to work together on a compromise. But an agreement never happened.
"It is difficult to understand why the County Defendants maintain a mandate is necessary if those tasked with enforcing it have no intention to do so, invariably making a mandate merely a recommendation," Ribaudo stated in her ruling.
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A lawsuit was filed by Schmitt, claiming that the County Council acted within state law when it revoked a mask mandate issued by County Executive Dr. Sam Page. Lawyers for Page argue that the county council is misinterpreting the state law, and it can only overturn health orders that shut down businesses.
“The people prevailed yet again against County Executive Page and his health department for attempting to impose their will illegally on the people of St. Louis County,” Schmitt after the ruling. “Today, the Court issued a preliminary injunction preventing the County from enforcing their mask mandate. I will not stop in my fight against government overreach.”
The County is expected to appeal all the way to the Missouri Supreme Court.
St. Louis County health officials issued a county mask mandate on July 26 for indoor public places and on public transportation for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals 5 and older. Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt sued to stop the mandate.
In recent week, many bars, restaurants and venues in the area have been enforcing face masks, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test for entrance.
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