St. Louis County

New restrictions in St. Louis County aim to slow soaring numbers of coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. But business owners in Fenton and the Delmar Loop have said the differing approaches between counties has made it hard for their business to stay afloat.

St. Louis County school districts are sending some elementary school children back to the classroom after health officials said young children account for far fewer new coronavirus cases than teenagers. Early childhood researchers warn that virtual learning can harm the emotional health and education of young students more than that of older students.

St. Louis County Public Health Co-Director Spring Schmidt joined "St. Louis on the Air" to talk about kids and COVID-19, youth sports restrictions and, yes, the importance of flu shots.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, it's been nearly six months since municipal courts in St. Louis County were able to meet in person. That's created a backlog of thousands of cases ranging from speeding tickets to driving while intoxicated to uncut grass. Like so many other institutions, those local courts have adapted. There are about 80 municipal courts in the St. Louis area, and at least two-thirds of them are now offering a video court option.

St. Louis County has announced plans to look at whether it can reduce the amount of building space it owns or leases — a move prompted in part by the coronavirus pandemic. The county council earlier this month transferred $300,000 within the Department of Transportation and Public Works to cover the cost of the study. Firms interested in doing the work must submit their qualifications by Tuesday.

Darby Howard will step down "with regret" as interim director of the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services after less than a month in that role. His decision is part of ongoing leadership turmoil at the jail.

A committee of the St. Louis County Council has backed calls by an independent advisory board for an outside investigation into accusations of mismanagement and other problems at the county jail.

Starting Monday, businesses in St. Louis County won't be able to serve people who aren't wearing masks, and children over age 5 will have to wear them in schools. People will also need to wear masks at indoor and outdoor businesses.

More than 400 people in St. Louis County long-term care facilities have died of COVID-19 since March, according to data from the county health department.

An increase of COVID-19 cases in the region has caused the St. Louis Sports Medicine COVID-19 Task Force, the St. Louis County Department of Public Health and the City of St. Louis Department of Health to initiate a hold on all youth sport games and scrimmages. The move has some pediatricians frustrated that the focus has been on youth sports, rather than congregations in bars and restaurants.