FRANKLIN COUNTY, Mo. — Franklin County's face mask order expired at noon Sunday, a month after it was enacted as coronavirus cases spiked in the area.
This comes on the same day that the county health department reported 13 new deaths related to COVID-19. Those new deaths reported Sunday alone account for 12% of the 108 total confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the county since the pandemic began.
The order went into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 20. Franklin County leaders said that the order would be reevaluated once it was set to expire, but Franklin County Commissioner Tim Brinker confirmed Sunday that there were no plans to extend the order.
According to the order, anyone 10 years old and above had to wear a face mask any time they were in contact with other people in public indoor spaces who are not household members. If someone was convicted of a violation of the face mask order, a fine was possible of $15 for individuals or $100 for businesses, government or nonprofit entities.
The county reported 61 new coronavirus cases Sunday, ranging in ages from 6 to 95. In total, there have been 6,305 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the county.
Here is the breakdown of COVID-19 deaths that the county reported Sunday:
74-year-old man, Pacific
88-year-old man, New Haven
74-year-old man, New Haven
90-year-old woman, New Haven
81-year-old man, Catawissa
88-year-old man, Union
47-year-old woman, St. Clair
94-year-old man, Union
93-year-old man, Washington
77-year-old man, Union
74-year-old man, Lonedell
80-year-old man, New Haven
55-year-old man, Pacific
In Union, just a couple blocks away from the county courthouse, a banner hanging across the window outside White Rose Café reads “Landmark for 80-plus years.”
Customers turn out for early lunch or all-day breakfast.
Asked about the end of the mask mandate, Dave Jankowski said, “I think it’s too early.”
Why?
“I think it keeps from spreading the virus,” he responded.
Jankowski added that he’s going to keep wearing his mask.
Saying she is concerned about safety, Dave’s wife, Eva, said, “I’ll probably just keep wearing my mask as much as possible.”
Joanna Arneson said, “I think the masks definitely serve a good purpose for those that are weary, and maybe have medical conditions.”
Bill Helling added, “I think it ought to keep going. Too many people, too many cases.”
Mercy Hospital in Washington is the first destination for many Franklin County residents who become infected with COVID. The mask mandate comes to an end a day after county officials reported 13 new COVID-related deaths. That’s 12% of the 108 people who have died here since the pandemic began.
Franklin County resident Jordan Bassham said, “I’m kind of happy about it. I don’t care to wear the mask.”
Ashley Vanderpool added, “I’m glad it’s over. I think everyone should have their own right to wear a mask if they want to.”
Dominic and Erin Shaul could be seen loading up their daughter, Charlotte, into their van after dining at White Rose. Erin is pregnant with their second child.
She said they both work in healthcare.
“I wish they would expand the mask mandate at least until the numbers would plateau versus we keep seeing spikes,” said Erin. “It’s not worth the risk. Especially since both of us have had COVID, it’s not worth it. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody to have it. I wish they would put the mask mandate back in place.”
