Judge deciding fate of new St. Louis County mask mandate

CLAYTON, Mo. (AP) - A judge is considering the fate of a new COVID-19 mask mandate in St. Louis County.

During a virtual court hearing Tuesday, attorneys argued over whether the St. Louis County Council had the authority to rescind a mask mandate imposed by county heath officials.

The council voted last week to rescind a mask issued by County Health Executive Sam Page but Page insisted the order remained in place.

Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt sued to obtain a restraining order to block the mandate.

Circuit Judge Ellen ``Nellie'' Ribaudo said she would rule on the issue by the end of the day Tuesday.