With St. Louis City and St. Louis County at the High (Red) level for increased community transmission of COVID-19, a new mask mandate will be in effect at the Gateway Arch beginning Tuesday, Dec. 27.
The announcement from the Gateway Arch National Park follows guidance from the National Park Service and applies to anyone – regardless of vaccination status – entering federal buildings, which include the Gateway Arch.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the immediate St. Louis area is at a High level based on hospitalization and cases of COVID-19. The guidance from the CDC advises all visitors and staff to wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask, defined as “a surgical mask, procedure mask, an internationally approved device (KN95s or KF94s) or respirator.” Cloth masks and similar face covers are not considered high-quality masks. Surgical masks are available to visitors at the Arch Information Desk free of charge.
In addition, Gateway Arch visitors must enter the monument through the new west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Allow at least 30 minutes to go through security.
Gateway Arch National Park Service officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 levels in the St. Louis community and will update the mask policy when community levels are down. For more information, visit the Gateway Arch National Park Service website.
