(KAIR)-- The St. Joseph City Council has voted to extend the city's mask mandate.

 KQ2-TV reports Tuesday night's vote was 5-3 in favor of extending the order as a city ordinance, which means it will be in effect indefinitely.

 The current mandate, which has been in place since July to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, requires masks in any retail store of 10,000 square feet or more.

 It was set to expire this week.   

 Certain persons are exempt from the mask mandate, including those under the age of 5 and those with disabilities. 

 COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Buchanan County, with more than 1,600 cases reported to date and 16 virus-related deaths.