City Roundup: March Health Advisories, Water Infrastructure Projects, and Service Notices

Public Health Advisory: Respiratory Virus Activity

The City of St. Louis Department of Health has issued a continuing health advisory for the week of March 10, 2026, as respiratory virus season reaches a critical peak. While Influenza A dominated earlier in the winter, surveillance data now indicates a significant surge in Influenza B cases across the metropolitan area. Hospital emergency department visits for influenza-like illnesses remain above the seasonal average.

Health officials urge residents to remain vigilant by practicing frequent handwashing and covering coughs. The Department of Health emphasizes that residents should stay home if they develop a fever to prevent further community spread. Vaccination remains the primary recommendation for those who have not yet received their seasonal flu shot, particularly for high-risk populations including adults over 65 and individuals with chronic medical conditions.

Infrastructure and Development Updates

The City is currently fast-tracking critical repairs to its aging water system. Following a series of significant water main breaks during the winter months, the Board of Aldermen is moving to allocate $8 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds specifically for the replacement of century-old pipes and valves. Residents may notice increased construction activity and temporary utility relocations in the Southampton and Dogtown neighborhoods as preliminary excavation begins on these emergency projects.

Additionally, work continues on the Brickline Greenway north connector. Construction is active along Grand Boulevard between Fairground Park and Page Avenue. Commuters in the Grand Center area should prepare for intermittent lane shifts and sidewalk closures throughout the month. This 1.3-mile segment is part of a larger regional effort to improve connectivity and pedestrian safety.

Public Service Announcements

• Yard Waste Collection: The Refuse Division reminds residents that curbside yard waste collection is currently on a seasonal hiatus. Regularly scheduled roll cart collection for yard waste is slated to resume on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Until that time, residents are encouraged to utilize regional drop-off sites for excess organic waste.
• Emergency Notifications: Following the recent Severe Weather Awareness Week, the City Emergency Management Agency (CEMA) is encouraging all residents to register for NotifySTL. This system provides real-time alerts regarding severe weather and public safety emergencies directly to mobile devices.
• Street Cleaning: Monthly street sweeping operations are active. Residents are required to observe all "No Parking" signs during scheduled cleaning times to avoid citations and ensure sweepers can effectively clear the curb lines.

Legislative Calendar

The Board of Aldermen continues its 2025-2026 Legislative Session. While the full Board is scheduled to meet this coming Friday, March 13, various committees are holding sessions this week to discuss infrastructure funding and tornado recovery spending. Public hearings regarding conditional use permits, including a session for the Armory Data Center project, are also on the current municipal docket.