ST. LOUIS — There will be more confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the city, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said, as the city receives more testing.
"We expect we’re going to get a big increase in the number of cases because we finally have more tests," Krewson said during her briefing Wednesday.
As testing increases, Krewson said it'll important to study percentages and rates.
"We’re watching percentages of positive tests and we’re watching hospitalizations," she said.
Krewson also answered a variety of questions about reopening certain services and businesses around the city.
She said the city's parks and recreation department will not host summer programs for children and pools will remain closed.
Krewson also said her administration is working on providing guidance to other summer camp programs.
The city is five days away from easing some restrictions that have been in place during the pandemic.
This week, the city released guidelines for restaurants, bars and office buildings to reopen. However, some businesses must remain closed for now.
The mayor said she does not know what the next phase of reopening could look like or when it might occur. She said she will rely on data to make that decision.
Also, beginning on May 14, the city will offer free personal protective equipment for eligible small businesses to help them safely and responsibly reopen on May 18. Businesses who are interested in receiving the PPE, which includes masks and gloves, must register with the city using this link. Further instructions will be provided to small businesses approximately 24 hours after their request form is received and processed.
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