"St. Louis Reverses Course on Mask Mandate for City Employees Amid Fluctuating Respiratory Illness Rates"

St. Louis city officials rescinded a mask mandate for city workers shortly after its implementation due to pressure from Missouri Governor Mike Parson's office, who has consistently opposed such mandates. The initial decision for the mandate was based on a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV, and flu cases, but was met with skepticism due to conflicting data and public reception. The city now "strongly recommends" masking indoors rather than enforcing a mandate.