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New face mask mandates driven by an increase in Delta variant Covid-19 cases and new federal guidelines are triggering new tensions in some communities, with some elected officials and residents pushing back the guidelines.
In Missouri, the St. Louis County Council voted Tuesday to overturn a new mandate requiring face masks in indoor public spaces. The mandate, which had been issued by the county executive and came into effect Monday, was challenged by a 5-2 vote, with two Democratic members joining Republicans in opposition.
“I will not abide by any measure that seeks to compromise or erode our freedom and liberty,” Republican Councilor Ernie Trakas said at a council meeting, in which about 50 residents spoke out against the mandate for two hours of public comment. In an interview, Mr Trakas said he believed the warrant was also unenforceable. “It’s nothing more than a recommendation made for optics in my opinion,” he said.
However, county executive Sam Page insisted on Wednesday that his order remained in effect despite the vote, pending a separate legal challenge brought by the Missouri attorney general.
“I want to make it clear that a mask warrant remains in place in St. Louis County,” Page told reporters Wednesday, after walking up to a podium and removing his own mask.
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