Pretty big numbers lately. I suspect that we’re about to get the first “real” glimpse of how COVID is moving through our state.

1. Rapid antigen test are becoming more prominent
2. New Rapid test accuracies are above 99%
3. Rapid tests are more “comfortable” than the brain swab
4. Modern saliva tests are just as accurate as nasal swabs and will eventually move into prominence

All of these things are/will add up to give us a more accurate picture of our covid spread. It’s what the US had needed since March. With the old testing methods, it’s impossible to get that clear picture of covid spread. Many people simply don’t want to get tested that may be mildly symptomatic or asymptomatic. I know I didn’t. I think we’re really starting to get that clearer picture with these new tests. I wouldn’t be surprised if it has been spreading like this for a while.

Note: I said that we’re only “starting” to see the true spread with modern rapid tests. I suspect as these tests become even more prominent and people start to become more comfortable with testing that will see numbers closer to reality...maybe we’ll above 2000 per day.

766 new cases today.

7-day rolling average now 1,153, an all-time high.

3 additional reported deaths.

224 new cases in OK County.

I got some sad news today. A forty-something female friend of mine tested positive Friday. She has some underlying conditions and was dreading returning to her teaching job in Moore. Like all teachers in her idiotic district, she was essentially forced to return to in-person learning. She contracted the virus from one of her students.

So far her symptoms are mild, but she is not asymptomatic and it is early. Symptoms usually worsen a week to 10 days after onset of symptoms.

I am outraged at the selfishness, stupidity, and blind allegiance to moronic politicians that has caused stupid places like Moore to completely disregard reality and the guidance of science. There are already two dead teachers in OKC (from the same elementary school). They contracted it at work and students aren't even back in OKCPS yet!

Honestly the relatives of any teachers who are killed by being forced back to teaching in person should sue these districts until their eyes bleed. It is tantamount to capital murder or at best manslaughter.

^
I'll be hoping and praying that mild symptoms is all she ends up having.

And I agree completely about the school systems. It's been proven that virtual learning works and that should be how it's done until this is over.

^
I'll be hoping and praying that mild symptoms is all she ends up having.

And I agree completely about the school systems. It's been proven that virtual learning works and that should be how it's done until this is over.

This is simply not true. There’s a cutoff where the children are just too young for this type of learning. JR high is what I keep hearing from teachers in various districts. Kids younger than that really struggle with distance learning. The way they learn is not conducive for success and they really need to be in a classroom with other kids.

The adults in their lives catching a deadly disease isn't conducive for success either.

This is simply not true. There’s a cutoff where the children are just too young for this type of learning. JR high is what I keep hearing from teachers in various districts. Kids younger than that really struggle with distance learning. The way they learn is not conducive for success and they really need to be in a classroom with other kids.
In that case that's just one more that we need to temporarily adjust to. All of us that take this virus seriously are making life changing adjustments for the time being in hopes that there will be a normal future for as many as possible.

In that case that's just one more that we need to temporarily adjust to. All of us that take this virus seriously are making life changing adjustments for the time being in hopes that there will be a normal future for as many as possible.

Agreed. There is no “one size fits all” here. We all have to do our own risk assessment for what we’re comfortable with here. Hopefully, 2021 will be better...

Also, if a teacher opts out because of higher risk, they should be guaranteed a job the following year when (hopefully) covid subsides.

Also, if a teacher opts out because of higher risk, they should be guaranteed a job the following year when (hopefully) covid subsides.

Tragically, most essential and high risk workers don't have this guarantee.

Tragically, most essential and high risk workers don't have this guarantee.True. Another huge flaw in our society that's being brought out by this damn virus.

Opting out of your job because you are high risk also means opting out of your health insurance...which you kind of need if you are high risk.

This is simply not true. There’s a cutoff where the children are just too young for this type of learning. JR high is what I keep hearing from teachers in various districts. Kids younger than that really struggle with distance learning. The way they learn is not conducive for success and they really need to be in a classroom with other kids.

There's absolutely no "cut off date" for when "this type of [online] learning" works. Remote and online learning present unique challenges. I'm not at all dismissing that. But quality online experiences absolutely are being designed for elementary students. Lots of teachers are finding ways to succeed using an array of creative methods and helpful apps. Working in education I hear about all this everyday.

There's absolutely no "cut off date" for when "this type of [online] learning" works. Remote and online learning present unique challenges. I'm not at all dismissing that. But quality online experiences absolutely are being designed for elementary students. Lots of teachers are finding ways to succeed using an array of creative methods and helpful apps. Working in education I hear about all this everyday.

Sure, every kid is different and there is no hard cutoff. In general, distance learning Is easier for older kids because of the type of work they do and their mental development. I am also well aware of the creativity the teachers are coming up with as my wife is in education. However, all the creative work doesn’t equal success as too much screen time is not good for younger kids. These young kids can also fall behind easily if they are slower or just misunderstood (I have heard numerous accounts of kindergarteners in tears because they just don’t understand). One on one time with teachers in the classroom can really help mitigate this issue. Finally, distanced learning is awful for kid’s social development. They learn so much through play and interacting with their friends. This development is super important in the younger grades too. Given the limited effects that covid has on them, there’s no reason for them not to be in the classroom...assuming a proper risk assessment of the teacher.

I got some sad news today. A forty-something female friend of mine tested positive Friday. She has some underlying conditions and was dreading returning to her teaching job in Moore. Like all teachers in her idiotic district, she was essentially forced to return to in-person learning. She contracted the virus from one of her students.

So far her symptoms are mild, but she is not asymptomatic and it is early. Symptoms usually worsen a week to 10 days after onset of symptoms.

I am outraged at the selfishness, stupidity, and blind allegiance to moronic politicians that has caused stupid places like Moore to completely disregard reality and the guidance of science. There are already two dead teachers in OKC (from the same elementary school). They contracted it at work and students aren't even back in OKCPS yet!

Honestly the relatives of any teachers who are killed by being forced back to teaching in person should sue these districts until their eyes bleed. It is tantamount to capital murder or at best manslaughter.

I'll go you one further. My mother is a teacher in a smaller town here just outside the metro. The superintendent has decided that they will have IN PERSON parent teacher conferences this week, and teachers are explicitly forbidden to require masks or any safety protocols before meeting with the parents (including trying to limit it to just one parent per child).

Of course, this is the same school district that decided this year was the year to start switching kids 4th and 5th grade kids between classes 4 times a day, all at the same time. In those 5 minutes during the switch the teachers are supposed to sanitize the classroom.

Every time they make these policy decisions I remind my mother to get it in writing and keep records, because if nothing else it will set up a lawsuit if she gets sick.

I'll go you one further. My mother is a teacher in a smaller town here just outside the metro. The superintendent has decided that they will have IN PERSON parent teacher conferences this week, and teachers are explicitly forbidden to require masks or any safety protocols before meeting with the parents (including trying to limit it to just one parent per child).

Of course, this is the same school district that decided this year was the year to start switching kids 4th and 5th grade kids between classes 4 times a day, all at the same time. In those 5 minutes during the switch the teachers are supposed to sanitize the classroom.

Every time they make these policy decisions I remind my mother to get it in writing and keep records, because if nothing else it will set up a lawsuit if she gets sick.

If there was a check list of things that you could do to make in-person school work, what you have described would be the exact opposite. Ugh...

This pandemic has really shown a spotlight on the incredibly poor decision making that occurs in this state. There is probably a reason for this considering we're one of the worst educated states in the country...

I'll go you one further. My mother is a teacher in a smaller town here just outside the metro. The superintendent has decided that they will have IN PERSON parent teacher conferences this week, and teachers are explicitly forbidden to require masks or any safety protocols before meeting with the parents (including trying to limit it to just one parent per child).

Of course, this is the same school district that decided this year was the year to start switching kids 4th and 5th grade kids between classes 4 times a day, all at the same time. In those 5 minutes during the switch the teachers are supposed to sanitize the classroom.

Every time they make these policy decisions I remind my mother to get it in writing and keep records, because if nothing else it will set up a lawsuit if she gets sick.
Wow! The absolutely stupidity in those decisions is beyond words.

Wow! The absolutely stupidity in thought decisions is beyond words.

It's going to be a long winter.

I got some sad news today. A forty-something female friend of mine tested positive Friday. She has some underlying conditions and was dreading returning to her teaching job in Moore. Like all teachers in her idiotic district, she was essentially forced to return to in-person learning. She contracted the virus from one of her students.

So far her symptoms are mild, but she is not asymptomatic and it is early. Symptoms usually worsen a week to 10 days after onset of symptoms.

I am outraged at the selfishness, stupidity, and blind allegiance to moronic politicians that has caused stupid places like Moore to completely disregard reality and the guidance of science. There are already two dead teachers in OKC (from the same elementary school). They contracted it at work and students aren't even back in OKCPS yet!

Honestly the relatives of any teachers who are killed by being forced back to teaching in person should sue these districts until their eyes bleed. It is tantamount to capital murder or at best manslaughter.

was this the teacher that was at Moore High? I know the last letter i got a few days back that had multiple kids test positive that day along with a staff member. I also found out Friday that a teacher at my other Kids school central Jr. High is in Quarantine. I never seen so many substitute teachers. seems like almost every week now my kids tell me they had a sub in one of their classes. Prayer and good vides sent to your friend who is currently battling this virus. I know everyone has different opinions but I think Moore Public schools and other districts need to go back to online only learning if the Positive cases keep trending up

797 new cases today, taking the state over the 100,000 mark.

7-day rolling average is 1,172, a new record.

Hospitalizations are 758 (+8) which is another all-time high.

ICU is 276 (+11)

6 more reported deaths.

189 new cases in OK County.

Agreed. There is no “one size fits all” here. We all have to do our own risk assessment for what we’re comfortable with here. Hopefully, 2021 will be better...

That option is unavailable. So, returning to their jobs will prove to be a death sentence for many teachers. Given the choice of one tough year of distance learning versus the deaths of teachers, I'll choose teachers' health.

I'll go you one further. My mother is a teacher in a smaller town here just outside the metro. The superintendent has decided that they will have IN PERSON parent teacher conferences this week, and teachers are explicitly forbidden to require masks or any safety protocols before meeting with the parents (including trying to limit it to just one parent per child).

Of course, this is the same school district that decided this year was the year to start switching kids 4th and 5th grade kids between classes 4 times a day, all at the same time. In those 5 minutes during the switch the teachers are supposed to sanitize the classroom.

Every time they make these policy decisions I remind my mother to get it in writing and keep records, because if nothing else it will set up a lawsuit if she gets sick.

Unbelievable. Well, actually, quite believable. I've lived my whole life in Oklahoma and I've never been more ashamed as I am right now. It is embarrassing.

I really, really wish you would call that district out so we can put them on blast.

Sure, every kid is different and there is no hard cutoff. In general, distance learning Is easier for older kids because of the type of work they do and their mental development. I am also well aware of the creativity the teachers are coming up with as my wife is in education. However, all the creative work doesn’t equal success as too much screen time is not good for younger kids. These young kids can also fall behind easily if they are slower or just misunderstood (I have heard numerous accounts of kindergarteners in tears because they just don’t understand). One on one time with teachers in the classroom can really help mitigate this issue. Finally, distanced learning is awful for kid’s social development. They learn so much through play and interacting with their friends. This development is super important in the younger grades too. Given the limited effects that covid has on them, there’s no reason for them not to be in the classroom...assuming a proper risk assessment of the teacher.

If social development is so critically important why do we allow home-schooling without regulations?

Unbelievable. Well, actually, quite believable. I've lived my whole life in Oklahoma and I've never been more ashamed as I am right now. It is embarrassing.

I really, really wish you would call that district out so we can put them on blast.

He's probably worried about the job security or potential harassment of his mother. I think its best he probably doesn't. Though its absolutely evil what they are doing.

He's probably worried about the job security or potential harassment of his mother. I think its best he probably doesn't. Though its absolutely evil what they are doing.

Exactly. I've tried to convince my mother to reach out to the press but unless she says it's OK I don't want to call out the school district. There are more issues, such as her windows in her room won't open to circulate fresh air. Or if one of the kids gets Covid only the primary class teacher quarantines, not the other three teachers who have the student throughout the day, or the students who've been moving between classes. I have a feeling these type of issues are very common in rural schools in Oklahoma.

If I have my druthers, my mother wouldn't have returned to school this year. Unfortunately, the pandemic made it hard to get the stuff done that needed to get done so she could have retired a couple of years early.

Exactly. I've tried to convince my mother to reach out to the press but unless she says it's OK I don't want to call out the school district. There are more issues, such as her windows in her room won't open to circulate fresh air. Or if one of the kids gets Covid only the primary class teacher quarantines, not the other three teachers who have the student throughout the day, or the students who've been moving between classes. I have a feeling these type of issues are very common in rural schools in Oklahoma.

If I have my druthers, my mother wouldn't have returned to school this year. Unfortunately, the pandemic made it hard to get the stuff done that needed to get done so she could have retired a couple of years early.

Your mom could always get the info to the press while insisting they don't use her name.

It's how most stories like this get told in a way when people are using positions of power to make bad decisions without fear of being held accountable.

If social development is so critically important why do we allow home-schooling without regulations?

What does that have to do with anything here? Obviously, home schooling only affects a small percentage of students. Distanced learning affects most of the students out there, and any long-term developmental effects will be far reaching.

What does that have to do with anything here? Obviously, home schooling only affects a small percentage of students. Distanced learning affects most of the students out there, and any long-term developmental effects will be far reaching.

A year or two of distance learning isn't going to leave permanent scars.

If this goes on for 3-4 more years, you may have a point.

A year or two of distance learning isn't going to leave permanent scars.

If this goes on for 3-4 more years, you may have a point.

I agree in theory (and it would hold more if districts had committed last summer to preparing for a year of it... which almost none did because they also had no leadership), but there is some really scary evidence that the pandemic is already widening existing inequities. The resource gap (e.g., technology, academic support, food) is just widening without schools meeting in person.

^

It's far from ideal but the whole crux of this is the trade-off in terms of human lives and health.

If things don't improve in the next year or two, then obviously we are going to have to move forward with in-person learning. I just don't think we're to the point where that is more important than the likely consequences.

I know people want “now” solutions and this is super politicized, but it really wouldn’t cripple the US to accept “this year is gonna be shot as far as schooling goes” and just accept that the 21/22 year is gonna be a do-over. I wouldn’t it consider punishment of my kiddos had to repeat their grades next year.

I know people want “now” solutions and this is super politicized, but it really wouldn’t cripple the US to accept “this year is gonna be shot as far as schooling goes” and just accept that the 21/22 year is gonna be a do-over. I wouldn’t it consider punishment of my kiddos had to repeat their grades next year.

This is really true across the board.

At some point, we are going to have to make some sacrifices in order to get this under control and our leadership in particular has not been willing to lead properly to date.

I know people want “now” solutions and this is super politicized, but it really wouldn’t cripple the US to accept “this year is gonna be shot as far as schooling goes” and just accept that the 21/22 year is gonna be a do-over. I wouldn’t it consider punishment of my kiddos had to repeat their grades next year.

I think the sacrifices should be made by the older generation not the younger. Which how its supposed to work.

A year or two of distance learning isn't going to leave permanent scars.

If this goes on for 3-4 more years, you may have a point.

Generally, yes. However, 1 year does really matter for kindergartners in particular. The jump from pre-school to kindergarten is huge. They also go through significant brain development; therefore, it is critical for them to not fall behind academically or socially as it's very difficult for them to catch up. The jump from kindergarten and 1st grade is also pretty big.

Don't forget too, that kids start taking standardized tests in 3rd grade. These kids are still really little, and 1 year can have a detrimental affect in preparing for the testing.

One thing that we forget is that we look at these circumstances with very adult (typically) thought processes. We forget what it's like to be a kid. I don't remember much from kindergarten, so I can't put myself in these kid's shoes, and I know we are all guilty of that.

As you said, 3-4 years will be a disaster, but I would argue, for a subset of these kids, that 1 year could have a long-lasting detrimental effect on their development.

This is really true across the board.

At some point, we are going to have to make some sacrifices in order to get this under control and our leadership in particular has not been willing to lead properly to date.

FYI, the only way to end a pandemic like this is a vaccine. You can shut stuff down all you want, but the moment you re-open, the virus comes flooding back through society. Is your goal to shut down till there is a vaccine? How long will it take to not only approve it, but distribute it through society? It could take another year to distribute the vaccine. Is that acceptable to shut down for that long?

FYI, the only way to end a pandemic like this is a vaccine. You can shut stuff down all you want, but the moment you re-open, the virus comes flooding back through society. Is your goal to shut down till there is a vaccine? How long will it take to not only approve it, but distribute it through society? It could take another year to distribute the vaccine. Is that acceptable to shut down for that long?

There are degrees of containment and our country and state are way, way below any reasonable standard.

There are degrees of containment and our country and state are way, way below any reasonable standard.

Fair point.

FYI, the only way to end a pandemic like this is a vaccine. You can shut stuff down all you want, but the moment you re-open, the virus comes flooding back through society. Is your goal to shut down till there is a vaccine? How long will it take to not only approve it, but distribute it through society? It could take another year to distribute the vaccine. Is that acceptable to shut down for that long?

Imagine a world where the state/county color code system meant something... where hot spots came with automatic actions like mask mandates and school closings, and other areas have automatic guidelines like restaurant limitations and such that help prevent new surges. A world where there is clear leadership at the national and state level that encourages the entire public to take this seriously and practice caution. Where there was no reason for people to doubt the numbers and information or to question if we had all the information available.

In THAT world, we could function until a vaccine came, and while there would be sacrifices, they could be more short term and focused. Shutting everything down is the stick that comes when the carrot isn't working.

And when we do get a vaccine, it would still need to be part of a larger, comprehensive plan.

We don't even have a plan at this point, with or without innoculation....

Unless 'let people die while we wait it out' is considered a plan.

HIV doesn't have a vaccine but a good therapeutic. Some would say a Therapeutic is more important than a vaccine

HIV doesn't have a vaccine but a good therapeutic. Some would say a Therapeutic is more important than a vaccine

The therapeutics came only after the disease was substantially slowed down through tons of common-sense measures, like testing, education, preventative measures and most importantly, listening to what scientists told us to do.

And when we do get a vaccine, it would still need to be part of a larger, comprehensive plan.

We don't even have a plan at this point, with or without innoculation....

Unless 'let people die while we wait it out' is considered a plan.

That does seem to be the plan, followed by irate calls from the Governor to the WH task force when their report labels our deaths "preventable".

The therapeutics came only after the disease was substantially slowed down through tons of common-sense measures, like testing, education, preventative measures and most importantly, listening to what scientists told us to do.

Last year Oklahoma was at the forefront of an HIV epidemic. We currently have a syphilis outbreak in southern Oklahoma. We have a public health problem in the state that needs to be taken seriously at every level of government.https://www.news9.com/story/5e345d793196993fcfd0530f/oklahoma-hiv-epidemic-in-spotlight-as-cdc-director-visits-okc

There are people who are very open and honest about that being their plan. I see it quite a bit. It's a shrug, and a 'Yes, a bunch of old and sick people who were already going to die are gonna die anyways. We can't do anything about it so might as well just keep going on like normal.'

I saw someone post today on FB about how "only" 1100 Oklahomans had died.

There are just too many people who have had no personal consequences from this crisis beyond those inflicted (in their mind) by an "over-reaction".

^

The truth is that many have bought into the complete lies and misinformation being peddled by some our most prominent leaders.

Which provides plenty of cover for their "Screw everyone else, I want to go drink my face off at Kong's" attitude.


The whole point of leadership is to make the tough decisions, and explain to the kids why they can't play in the busy street no matter how much they might want to.

There are people who are very open and honest about that being their plan. I see it quite a bit. It's a shrug, and a 'Yes, a bunch of old and sick people who were already going to die are gonna die anyways. We can't do anything about it so might as well just keep going on like normal.'

I saw someone post today on FB about how "only" 1100 Oklahomans had died.

There are just too many people who have had no personal consequences from this crisis beyond those inflicted (in their mind) by an "over-reaction".

I can’t believe we are still making a big deal about less than 200 people getting killed on 1995. /s

Truth is, the country as a whole doesn’t care about people dying. The death numbers have long lost any meaning and people don’t care about those dead. People care more about deaths caused by something they disagree with ideologically. Benghazi is still a bigger deal to them that all these deaths.

I'm active on a handful of forums for hobbies of mine. I've read a number of posts the past few days on a couple of them talking about the number of people that seem to be doing things lately that indicate a "I'm done, I'm going back to normal and I don't care what happens " attitude by people that were taking the virus seriously. I'm afraid more people getting sick of taking precautions and deciding to just move on is going to be a growing problem.

I'm active on a handful of forums for hobbies of mine. I've read a number of posts the past few days on a couple of them talking about the number of people that seem to be doing things lately that indicate a "I'm done, I'm going back to normal and I don't care what happens " attitude by people that were taking the virus seriously. I'm afraid more people getting sick of taking precautions and deciding to just move on is going to be a growing problem.

I am seeing that also. Lots more maskless folks out recently. Plus I know several people that have had it that are telling anyone within shouting distance that this virus is not nearly as bad as what it's made out to be.

I am seeing that also. Lots more maskless folks out recently. Plus I know several people that have had it that are telling anyone within shouting distance that this virus is not nearly as bad as what it's made out to be.

That's because dead people can't talk.

As far as schooling goes, how did Europe handle schooling during WWI and WWII? Did they just keep going to school? Were there years or months where the kids just didn't go to school? What kind of consequences were there if the school years weren't fully attended/used - kids kept back a grade, serious learning gaps/holes, ...? Serious questions because I really don't know. Seems like if there were massive disruptions to education in Europe during two wars and the kids didn't show massive adverse effects, we should be able to handle one school year being disrupted by distance learning. And yes, I do realize that not everybody can do remote learning and that it's not ideal, but seems like we should not hold in-person classes until we have this more under control (if that's even possible with the absolute stupidity and willful ignorance of such a huge chunk of the population).

I am seeing that also. Lots more maskless folks out recently. Plus I know several people that have had it that are telling anyone within shouting distance that this virus is not nearly as bad as what it's made out to be.Hadn't thought about that but there have been three people at work that have had it. All three of us were completely asymptomatic or had very minor symptoms. The other two joke about it. I'm the only one that's still anal about distancing and wipes everything around me down at least daily. And I go through hand sanitizer last crazy.

Generally, yes. However, 1 year does really matter for kindergartners in particular. The jump from pre-school to kindergarten is huge. They also go through significant brain development; therefore, it is critical for them to not fall behind academically or socially as it's very difficult for them to catch up. The jump from kindergarten and 1st grade is also pretty big.

Don't forget too, that kids start taking standardized tests in 3rd grade. These kids are still really little, and 1 year can have a detrimental affect in preparing for the testing.

One thing that we forget is that we look at these circumstances with very adult (typically) thought processes. We forget what it's like to be a kid. I don't remember much from kindergarten, so I can't put myself in these kid's shoes, and I know we are all guilty of that.

As you said, 3-4 years will be a disaster, but I would argue, for a subset of these kids, that 1 year could have a long-lasting detrimental effect on their development.
NM. I shouldn't have said what I typed. Not really relevant.

All ICU beds in Stillwater Regional Hospital are in use as of Monday. In the COVID unit, 9 out of 18 non-icu beds are available. 21 out of 47 medical beds are available, so things aren't all bad.

Fortunately, new Stillwater covid cases have been trending down. There were only 9 cases on Monday. There were 21 cases on the statewide record setting day of Saturday, Oct. 10 when there were 1533. Recent peak day for Stillwater was 42 on Sept. 24. 2138 all time cases as of Monday places Stillwater at no. 6 in the state with Enid not very far behind.

Meanwhile, the first round petition to vote to recall mayor & Stillwater city council members got enough signatures. The second required petition with more signatures needed for it to go on ballot is now out. Some people are unhappy over required store closures ordered last spring and later on the city ordinance requiring masks. But the city council had no other choice, since the Oklahoma governor last spring ordered a shutdown of "non-essential businesses" in 19 of 77 Oklahoma counties, which included the county Stillwater is in.

That's because dead people can't talk.

You point out the obvious to the blind.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2771761

OK currently about 10% higher rate of death than expected. I believe it was bouldersooner who claimed we’ve had fewer deaths this year.

All ICU beds in Stillwater Regional Hospital are in use as of Monday. In the COVID unit, 9 out of 18 non-icu beds are available. 21 out of 47 medical beds are available, so things aren't all bad.

Fortunately, new Stillwater covid cases have been trending down. There were only 9 cases on Monday. There were 21 cases on the statewide record setting day of Saturday, Oct. 10 when there were 1533. Recent peak day for Stillwater was 42 on Sept. 24. 2138 all time cases as of Monday places Stillwater at no. 6 in the state with Enid not very far behind.

Meanwhile, the first round petition to vote to recall mayor & Stillwater city council members got enough signatures. The second required petition with more signatures needed for it to go on ballot is now out. Some people are unhappy over required store closures ordered last spring and later on the city ordinance requiring masks. But the city council had no other choice, since the Oklahoma governor last spring ordered a shutdown of "non-essential businesses" in 19 of 77 Oklahoma counties, which included the county Stillwater is in.

OKC is out of ICU bed this morning as well. This was a metric that Stitt said he would mandate new restrictions. Let's see if that happens.

https://twitter.com/WILLIAMCRUM/status/1316021616749371394?s=20

OKC is out of ICU bed this morning as well. This was a metric that Stitt said he would mandate new restrictions. Let's see if that happens.

https://twitter.com/WILLIAMCRUM/status/1316021616749371394?s=20

He'll issue a statement disputing the numbers then do zero.

Press release:

*******

Oklahoma City’s mask ordinance extended until Dec. 7
10/13/2020

Oklahoma City’s mask ordinance is in place until at least Dec. 7 after the City Council voted Tuesday to extend the requirement to wear face coverings in indoor public places.

The emergency public safety ordinance was set to expire Oct. 20, but Tuesday’s action moved the expiration date to Dec. 7. The Council has discretion to revisit the expiration date at future meetings.

Public health officials say face coverings are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Cases have declined in the metro since Oklahoma City’s emergency mask order was first put in place July 17. There have been no other changes to local or statewide coronavirus response efforts since then that can be linked to the decline of cases in the metro.

Evidence shows there’s a high risk of infected people spreading the virus with their breath if they don’t use a face covering. Evidence also shows infected people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms, underscoring the importance of mask-wearing even for people who feel healthy.

Free signs about the mask requirement to print for display at local businesses and other public spaces, along with social media graphics and animations, are available on a public shared drive at covid19.okc.gov. The free signs are available in English, Spanish (español), Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt), Arabic (عربى) and Korean (한국어).

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. Here are general CDC recommendations about cloth face coverings and masks.


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.


The requirements expire Dec. 7, unless the Council takes further action.

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 action.center@okc.gov
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.

Well Guys I just had to go pick up my daughter from Moore High. She is being quarantined for 14 days, a girl at her school that tested positive showed up to school yesterday and by midday was bragging about having covid which turned out to be true so multiple kids that sat close to her in the classrooms got sent home for 14 days which was a lot of them, there was a line of cars picking up other students when i showed up to pick my daughter up. My daughter is upset, mad and scared all at the same time that this has happened. She has multiple test coming up and she is scared with doing all online she might fail smh. I really wish the schools would just go back to online. I tried asking the school questions about the exposure and the questions about the kid who tested positive but the school wouldnt tell me any info ( not wanting to know the girls name or anything, I know the name due to my daughter telling me the whole story of the girl, just that if its true that the girl knew about it and brought it purposely to school ).