On Friday, July 23, St. Louis County announced they would reinstate the mask mandate, requiring both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear masks in indoor public places and on public transportation. Since this announcement, I have received many emails and phone calls from residents sharing their opinions and expressing their concerns. I’d like to take a minute to explain the City’s role in this mandate and clear up any confusion.

While the City of Ballwin is located in, and governed by, St. Louis County, it was legally determined last year that no law enforcement agency has the authority to enforce a County Health Department Administrative Order. The Ballwin Police Department is only able to enforce state law and City of Ballwin ordinances. Any violation of the current mask mandate is a health order violation, which can only be enforced by the County Department of Health. 

Every private business has the right to implement the mask order and we ask that you comply with their policies.