ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - Following the latest recommendations from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County have announced that most of its health orders related to COVID-19 are being rescinded. That includes not requiring people to wear face masks in most situations while indoors if they are fully vaccinated.
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page and St. Louis Department of Health director Dr. Fredrick Echols held a joint press conference on Friday to announce the new health order. Public health orders Nos. 1 through 17 are being rescinded.
"Individuals, academic institutions, religious institutions and places of worship, government offices and businesses operating in the City of St. Louis should comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance to continue to slow the spread of SARS CoV-2 and communicable diseases, and protect the health of our communities."
Here is public order No. 18 goes into effect immediately.
During Friday's announcement, leaders asked for residents to "please be respectful" of businesses that choose to continue to require patrons to wear face masks even if you are fully vaccinated.
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Leaders say questions about new order have been answered on the new "Masking FAQ" page, here. It explains face mask requirements and recommends for public settings like offices, restaurants and schools, and says businesses and individuals have the right to "require proof of vaccination for staff members or customers who are not wearing masks."
On Thursday, the CDC announced new guidelines that fully vaccinated people can go without a mask or distancing in many indoor settings. President Joe Biden declared: "If you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask."
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The new CDC guidance still recommends wearing masks in crowded indoor settings like buses, planes, hospitals, prisons and homeless shelters, but it will help clear the way for reopening workplaces, schools and other venues — even removing the need for social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated.
It comes nearly two weeks after St. Louis leaders announced all businesses in the City and County could reopen to full capacity.
This is a breaking news story that will be updated.
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