Oklahoma City Council Defers Vote To April 13 On Possible Early Expiration Of Mask Ordinance, Masks Still Required In Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City OK

31 March, 2021

10:49 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City: March 30, 2021 The Oklahoma City Council voted Tuesday to defer a vote until April 13 on allowing the early expiration of the City's mask ordinance. The mask ordinance, which requires face coverings indoors in buildings open to the public, remains in place until April 30 unless the Council takes further action. The Council is scheduled to meet again April 13 and April 27. Ward 4 Councilman Todd Stone and Ward 8 Councilman Mark Stonecipher jointly proposed an early expiration, citing dramatically improved local COVID-19 case data. The Council did not vote directly on the item during Tuesday's meeting, voting instead to defer a decision until its next meeting. Visit okc.gov/agenda for City meeting agendas. The City's mask ordinance was first adopted in July, and has been extended several times. State and local public health data shows that during the peaks and valleys of the pandemic so far, case rates have grown slower and fallen faster in Oklahoma cities with mask ordinances, compared to those without them. Everyone in Oklahoma age 16+ is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Appointments are available across the metro and state: vaxokc.com vaccinate.oklahoma.gov Walmart, CVS and Sam's Club pharmacies. IMMY Labs Mercy Independent pharmacies, tribal vaccination sites and other locations. Call 2-1-1 if you need help getting an appointment. Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest on the coronavirus in Oklahoma City. Face covering requirements Everyone in Oklahoma City age 11 and up is required to wear a face covering, like a mask or face shield, in indoor public spaces. There are some exceptions. Public health officials also recommend face coverings for children age 3 and up, although it's not a requirement in the emergency ordinance. Face coverings are required only in indoor spaces open to the public, including private property. The face covering must cover both the nose and mouth. A face shield is an alternative to a cloth face covering or mask. Exceptions to face covering requirements are: Children age 10 and under, unless required by a school or daycare. People working in an office who don't have face-to-face interactions with the public. Patrons of restaurants, bars and similar establishments while eating or drinking. People in settings where it isn't practical or feasible to wear a face covering, like receiving dental services, swimming or playing at a sprayground. People engaged in sports (including for recreation). People engaged in cardio exercises. But people should make reasonable efforts to observe social distancing between groups of people from different households. People inside any federal, state or county building or facility. People inside a public or private school building or facility, unless required by the school. People at a religious service or ceremony where social distancing is observed between groups of people from different households. People with a developmental disability. People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and people who are communicating with someone who is deaf or hard-of-hearing. Enforcement People can report violations of the mask ordinance to the Action Center using one of four ways: Online at okc.gov/action By email to [email protected] By text message to (405) 252-1053 Via the OKC Connect smartphone app for iOS and Android devices Action Center staff will make a report that is routed to OCCHD, whose inspectors will respond to reports. When responding, inspectors will first offer a mask or an opportunity for the person to leave the public, indoor space. People who refuse to wear the mask or leave would be subject to a fine of $9 on a conviction for a first or second offense. The fine would rise to a maximum of $100 for third and subsequent offenses. In situations where someone is refusing to leave or to wear a mask, call 911 for Police Department enforcement of trespassing ordinances. People with a medical condition preventing them from safely wearing a mask can produce a document from their physician confirming that information, and will not be subject to a conviction and fine related to the mask ordinance. Frequently asked questions Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the requirements. Q: Who is required to wear a face covering, and in what situations? A: Everyone in Oklahoma City age 11 and over is subject to the requirements when inside most buildings accessible to the public. There are narrow exceptions. Public health officials recommend children age 3 and up should also wear face coverings, but that is not required by the emergency ordinance. Q: Why are face coverings required? A: Public health officials say face coverings are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Evidence shows there's a high risk of infected people spreading the virus with their breath if they don't wear a face covering. Evidence also shows infected people can spread the virus even if they don't have symptoms. You protect others by wearing a mask, and others protect you by wearing theirs. Q: What kind of face covering is required? A: It must cover your nose and mouth. A face shield is an alternative to a cloth face covering or mask. Here are some general CDC recommendations about cloth face coverings and masks: It should cover your nose and mouth. It should be secured under your chin, and fit snugly against the side of your face. Make sure you can breathe easily. Wash cloth masks after using them. Read more here. Read more here about how to wear a mask. Read more here about how to make a mask at home. Q: Are face coverings required for children and staff at schools and daycares? A: It's at the discretion of the school or daycare operator. Public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for people inside office buildings, warehouses and other workplaces closed to the public? A: No, if it's closed to the public. But public health officials recommend wearing face coverings when in shared spaces inside those buildings, including all shared work spaces, hallways, bathrooms, conference rooms, elevators, stairwells and similar locations. Q: Are face coverings required outdoors? A: No. But public health officials recommend wearing face coverings outdoors in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for people at restaurants, bars and similar places? A: Yes, except for when eating or drinking. Q: Are face coverings required for people in parks, trails and similar outdoor spaces? A: No. But public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for walking in neighborhoods, or playing sports? A: No. But public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: I have a health condition that makes it unsafe for me to wear a face covering, but businesses are refusing to grant me access. What can I do? A: Businesses are allowed to deny entry and refuse service. Q: Can I carry a gun while wearing a face covering? A: There's no restriction related to wearing a face covering or mask while carrying a gun. This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author's own.