ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The pause on St. Louis County's mask mandate will continue for at least another two days, a judge announced during a court hearing Tuesday morning.
The current mandate issued by the St. Louis County Health Department and County Executive Dr. Sam Page's office is on hold while a suit by Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt is resolved in court.
On Aug. 3, Judge Nellie Ribaudo granted a temporary restraining order against the mandate being enforced until the issue could be heard in court on Aug. 17.
A judge Tuesday extended the temporary restraining order an additional two days. Attorneys from both sides are required to participate in a virtual meeting Wednesday to discuss matters further, but the judge encouraged them to meet beforehand to see if they can come up with some kind of resolution.
At issue is whether or not a county-wide mask mandate can be enforced since it was rescinded a day later by the St. Louis County Council.
The council has voted against two mask mandates in three weeks. The first vote on July 27 was to rescind the health department's mask order.
Some council members said they didn't like how Page's office didn't consult with them before issuing such an order. Other members have also expressed concern about government overreach.
At the Aug. 10 meeting, the council voted against enacting its own mask mandate introduced by Councilwoman Lisa Clancy.
The mask issue could be heard again at Tuesday's council meeting.
Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway is requesting two bills regarding mask mandates be introduced at the meeting. One bill specifically calls for masks to be worn in county buildings. Dunaway and Clancy have voiced concerns about the large, mostly mask-less crowds at previous council meetings.
A vote is not scheduled for Tuesday night.