FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — Franklin County will not implement a mandatory face mask rule.
This comes as St. Louis city and St. Louis County announced a face mask requirement that’ll go into effect on July 3 at 7 a.m.
According to a press release from Franklin County, the commission is not considering a mandatory face mask rule and will “continue to support the choice of the individual to keep themselves and others as safe as possible with their lifestyle choices.”
As of July 2, Franklin County currently has 35 active cases of the coronavirus – 16 of which are in skilled care facilities.
There have been 18 people that have died due to complications from the virus in the county. The county has not had a reported COVID-19-related death since June 9.
St. Charles County and Jefferson County have both also said they will not implement a mandatory face mask rule. Both counties encourage residents to wear face coverings, though.
For the St. Louis area, Dr. Alex Garza, the head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, said he is hopeful the new face mask requirement will help the region from moving backward in the reopening process.
When do you have to wear a face mask in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County?
- Anyone over the age of 9, including employees and visitors, at any business or public accommodation – indoors and outdoors
- Anyone over the age of 9 when outside in a public space when anyone other than members of their household or living unit will be within 6 feet
- Anyone over of the age of 9 attending a gathering of individuals who are not members of their household in any area which will involve close contact or proximity to others when 6 feet of separation is not feasible. This restriction does not apply to gatherings of people at personal residences.
