St. Louis County Council Chairwoman Rita Heard Days announced Thursday the County Council would meet virtually for at least the next three weeks, in response to COVID-19 case rates.

Days, who represents the 1st District, said in the press release Jan. 13 that she discussed the matter with the other council members and determined that the council would begin meeting virtually Tuesday, Jan. 18, for a minimum of three weeks.

“After much consideration, I have decided that, for the sake of our employees and the public, it is best that we conduct virtual meetings … I will re-evaluate the situation in 3 weeks and consult with my colleagues again to determine the best path forward,” Days stated in the press release. “Please bear with us as we deal with this pandemic in a manner that is safe for all involved as well as maintain the transparency of St. Louis County Government.”

In March 2020, the County Council moved to virtual meetings and did not return to in-person meetings until June 2021.

Several members of the County Council such as Vice Chairwoman Shalonda Webb of the 4th District, 6th District Councilman Ernie Trakas, 5th District Councilwoman Lisa Clancy and 2nd District Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway were virtual at the Jan. 11 meeting, as well as County Executive Sam Page and County Counselor Beth Orwick.

Currently, the county has a testing positivity rate of 37.9 percent, which is considered “high” by the Centers for Disease Control, and is averaging 2,504 new cases a day.