ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — St. Louis County Executive Sam Page gave an update Friday morning about how the county is using some of the money it received through the coronavirus stimulus bill.
In all, the county got $173.5 million in CARES Act funds. It's using that money to help small businesses, provide safety equipment to agencies, businesses and residents and also to help residents meet basics needs.
"This pandemic is actually three crises. This is a public health crisis, a humanitarian crisis and an economic crisis," Page said.
He focused Friday's briefing on how the county is helping humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said money from the CARES Act will focus on senior and homebound programs, housing stabilization, technology and the social and emotional needs of children.
Page said the county is in the process of awarding nearly $10 million in CARES Act funds for humanitarian efforts. Part of that money is going to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, where Page held his briefing Friday morning.
The Urban League will receive $350,000 for housing. Urban League President Michael P. McMillan said the organization will use that money to help seniors and children.
You can see the full breakdown of how county officials are using money from the federal stimulus grant on the St. Louis County coronavirus website.
Friday’s announcement comes after Page detailed some changes to youth sports in the county.
Beginning Monday, players will only be able to practice and play within their own teams. There won’t be any competitive games between teams and groups will be limited to 10 or fewer. No spectators are allowed.
“And I know that there are many, many families, many teams that have worked really hard to follow the guidelines and follow all the recommended precautions. And these changes will deeply affect them. And for that, I am truly sorry, but it's my duty to do what's necessary based on expert advice to look out for the health and welfare of everyone in St. Louis County, including our kids,” Page said.
He explained that playing sports isn’t the direct problem – it’s the people gathering to watch and hanging out on the sidelines.
Earlier this week, Page said county health officials are keeping a close eye on the number of new cases among younger residents, especially those between the ages of 10 and 29 years old.
According to the county's latest trend report, the prevalence of COVID-19 is currently highest among people ages 10-19 (11.7%) and 20-29 (10.2%). The latter age group is showing especially high numbers over the last two weeks, increasing 195%. The average went from 11 new cases a day to about 32, the county reported.
Page specifically pointed to sports gatherings as being a source of the rise in cases.
St. Louis County coronavirus coverage:
- Schnucks to require face coverings at all stores
- St. Louis County executive encourages school districts to offer virtual classes, but says he knows it's not ideal
- St. Louis area leaders consider rolling back COVID-19 reopening measures
- 2 more St. Louis County Police Department employees test positive for COVID-19
- 'We must all act now': Task force leader says action is needed to avoid another shutdown
