Jefferson City mayor encourages safe COVID-19 practices as Halloween approaches

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The mayor of Jefferson City is encouraging residents to practice safe COVID-19 habits as Halloween approaches.

"Fall looks different this year with the pandemic, and Cole County Health continues to share, including tips for a safe Halloween," Jefferson City Mayor Carrie Tergin said. "As mayor, I encourage everyone to follow my lead by spreading out, wearing a mask and staying strong with healthy habits."

Tergin used the hashtag #MaskUPwiththeMayor in a tweet Monday before heading into a Jefferson City Council meeting.

Tergin has shared photos of herself without a mask within 6 feet of others since the pandemic began. That includes an appearance outside with Gov. Mike Parson and first lady Teresa Parson in August. The Parsons were just released from isolation this week after testing positive for COVID-19.

The appearance took place weeks before the positive test or onset of mild symptoms Teresa Parson reported.

Tergin said she was not masked at the Parson appearance because the event was outdoors -- which offers more protection from the airborne virus -- and she was in close contact with others for fewer than 15 minutes.

The Cole County Health Department COVID-19 dashboard currently shows 139 active cases of the virus across the county outside of long-term care centers. The county has seen 1,682 total cases and 15 virus-related deaths, including seven in long-term care centers.

Only five new cases of the virus were logged on Monday, compared to 31 new cases reported Sunday and 43 new cases reported Saturday.