Experts recommend masks indoors as St. Louis Co. COVID cases rise

DULUTH, MN -- Health officials are recommending St. Louis County residents wear masks in indoor public places again as COVID-19 case numbers reach a point not seen since February.

St. Louis County has been reporting an average of 112 cases a day over the last week.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers this level of spread “high.”

They base that category on three factors: new COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 population in the past week, the percent of staffed inpatient beds occupied by COVID-19 patients, and total new COVID-19 cases per 100,000 population in the past week.

St. Louis County leaders are also recommending everyone wear a mask inside county buildings starting Monday, May 23.

As always, health experts say you should get tested if you’re experiencing COVID symptoms or if you’re exposed to someone who has COVID.

Experts say getting the COVID vaccine and booster shots also help.