by SARAH THOMACKSt. Joseph PostAs student athletes begin to prepare for the winter sports season indoors, the City of St. Joseph has added an exception to the current mask mandate.The current mandate requires masks be worn in all indoor public places, with some exceptions.Mayor Bill McMurray says an exception was added with indoor winter sports in mind."Rather than just do away with all winter sports, we're trying to create a little bit of an exception here so programs can continue," McMurray says. "But, subject to the external environment, if our (COVID-19) numbers really deteriorate, we might have to rethink this."The city announced the amendment Tuesday, which applies to those actively participating in a sport, such as basketball or wrestling. Masks will still be required for athletes on the bench or in the locker room. The current mask mandate is in place until November 16th. To view the full order, <a href="https://www.stjoemo.info/DocumentCenter/View/12708/Amended-Declaration-and-Order-October-13-2020-PDF">click here</a>.

City of St. Joseph adds mask mandate exception for indoor athletics