https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/07/15/upshot/drug-overdose-deaths.html?smid=tw-share

Not liking this news at all. Couple it with the data from our recent Point in Time count of the homeless in OKC which is also way up, and our uninsured rate which is now approaching 20% in the state, and you start to understand why we need all hands on deck during public health emergencies.

The national psychological effects of this pandemic will last for some time after the virus, I fear. I'll be honest.. my own use of substances has increased since all of this started. Luckily I don't drink alcohol much, but anecdotal reports from peers indicate alcohol consumption is up. I think that larceny will likely rise too, as addicts look for things to steal to feed the need.

Hell, I lost somebody in my own family last fall. It was tough, but also not a total surprise. How one processes a death will vary, but for me it workaholism... For a few months.

Back then (Nov 19), we had the support of family, friends, we got together and honored the memory of our lost loved one. We had many family events to draw support from one another.

What must be especially difficult now, for the 140,000 (and counting) families that lost a loved one, is that they can't be by there side in the hospital to say goodbye. Even having funerals and family events is discouraged, as you risk infecting others.

People are alone, isolated, and many have lost their jobs. Drug use, abuse, and suicide will surely increase. That can't all be blamed on shelter-in-place either.

From the governor of Georgia:
“Just like sending in the Georgia National Guard to protect those living in our capital city from crime and violence, I refuse to sit back and watch as disastrous policies threaten the lives and livelihoods of our citizens,” a statement from Kemp continued. “We will fight to stop these reckless actions and put people over pandemic politics.”
So wearing masks is threatening lives in his opinion. What planet is he from?

Right now, I'll put odds at 62% that Stitt pulls a similar move.

Wasn't it mentioned a while back that municipal authority for such actions was removed as a result of recent state legislation?

200 pages we have come a long way from page 1 when we were talking about where to buy hand sanitizer and talking about schools

Right now, I'll put odds at 62% that Stitt pulls a similar move.

Wasn't it mentioned a while back that municipal authority for such actions was removed as a result of recent state legislation?

It would be a pretty big switch for him, since he's already on the record basically saying cities have the authority to do it and he doesn't intend to try to override their authority on it (even if he disagrees).

It would be a pretty big switch for him, since he's already on the record basically saying cities have the authority to do it and he doesn't intend to try to override their authority on it (even if he disagrees).

That doesn't mean the State Leg won't try to pass something next session. Like they did with stripping some power from the mayors.
Honestly, I would expect that happening over Stitt doing something. That way he can always play it off as "Well *I* didn't override it, the State House did"

That doesn't mean the State Leg won't try to pass something next session. Like they did with stripping some power from the mayors.
Honestly, I would expect that happening over Stitt doing something. That way he can always play it off as "Well *I* didn't override it, the State House did"
This is what I expect. I give Stitt credit for not doing what Kemp is doing, but I wouldn't put it past the state legislature at all.

This is what I expect. I give Stitt credit for not doing what Kemp is doing, but I wouldn't put it past the state legislature at all.

A lot of legislators are calling for a mask mandate, and most don't like Stitt. So Stitt being anti-mask does not mean that the legislators will be anti-mask (or by virtue anti-mayor).

699 new cases today. 7-day rolling average now at 721, an all-time high.

7 more people have died.

There also 71 new hospitalizations but we won't know the net number until this evening.

I knew this was always going to be a blind spot for Stitt. The guy is a closer and drinks plenty of coffee (See, e.g., Skydweller Aero), but he always hated Majora’s Mask as a boy. It was his least favorite game in the Series.

It really scarred him and changed his view of masks forever.

699 new cases today. 7-day rolling average now at 721, an all-time high.

7 more people have died.

There also 71 new hospitalizations but we won't know the net number until this evening.

From Dr.Monks, president of OSMA
https://mobile.twitter.com/GeorgeMonks11/status/1284134371646156800

This is why I get confused when Stitt says we have 5000 beds. All the data says otherwise.

This is why I get confused when Stitt says we have 5000 beds. All the data says otherwise.

Stittiot just says "beds", and doesn't break it down into ICU, COVID-19-specific ICU, surgical, morgue, rehab, etc., I believe. He has no idea what he's doing or talking about.

This is why I get confused when Stitt says we have 5000 beds. All the data says otherwise.

The whole 5,000 beds thing goes all the way back to March/April. At that point the projections were that we would need up to 5000 beds at the peak, so they supposedly developed a surge plan to accommodate that 5000. I assume that's counting a lot of beds in Deaconess, which was closed down and only recently reopened with 2 floors reserved for Covid overflow, and other strategies to accommodate 5000 "beds" which probably includes some emergency measures (such as tents or portable buildings). We may very well have a plan in place to handle 5000 beds worth of patients, but that's very different than having "5000" beds available in the hospital.

Staffing shortages are spreading in various states. Healthcare workers who have been exposed to Covid-19 and are still out. Docs who are mentally exhausted from arguing at town hall meetings and then going back to 12 hour ER shift without enough PPE or supplies. If enough states keep spiking all at the same time, we literally do not have enough well -rested, healthy, adequately trained medical staff left in the country.
The president didn't do us any favors by suspending H1 visas for doctors either.
You really don't want to get sick right now with anything requiring intensive medical intervention. We won't have the manpower available.

Propublica literally publishes an article on this very problem 24 hours later, and explains it better than I do.
https://www.propublica.org/article/hospitals-are-suddenly-short-of-young-doctors-because-of-trumps-visa-ban/amp?__twitter_impression=true

It has begun, if you want to watch this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xiw3-2W11s0

Nice selection of Jerry Springer contestants in the comments section of that video link ^

699 new cases today. 7-day rolling average now at 721, an all-time high.

7 more people have died.

There also 71 new hospitalizations but we won't know the net number until this evening.

Death rates are starting to creep up. This is not good.

I'm not understanding Nikki Nice's reluctancy on the fines. The officers will have to provide you a mask before issuing a ticket - I think the $250 fine for second offense is more than fair if the officer is giving you a mask and you still refuse. Imagine a traffic cop stopping you for speeding, and telling you to turn around and drive that section again without speeding and he will not issue a ticket. Seems more than fair to get an option to correct a behaviour and not get a fine.

I was thinking the same thing. If you're getting that second ticket, you've refused to accept an offered face covering, and refused to leave when requested. Twice. I feel like every single chance was given at that point.

If this mask policy only lasts until after labor day, then.. the amounts for the tickets are more than fine.

You would have to be going out and not wearing it on purpose to reach that $250 dollar ticket.

I'm not understanding Nikki Nice's reluctancy on the fines. The officers will have to provide you a mask before issuing a ticket - I think the $250 fine for second offense is more than fair if the officer is giving you a mask and you still refuse. Imagine a traffic cop stopping you for speeding, and telling you to turn around and drive that section again without speeding and he will not issue a ticket. Seems more than fair to get an option to correct a behaviour and not get a fine.

I agree with this, but if there are any councilmembers that are on the fence and lowering the fine by a little bit will get them to a yes vote, then I can live with it.

I was thinking the same thing. If you're getting that second ticket, you've refused to accept an offered face covering, and refused to leave when requested. Twice. I feel like every single chance was given at that point.

In Pennsylvanian, every one over the age of 2 needs to wear a mask -- our council is arguing whether we use 10 or 13. Are we admitting that Oklahoma Children are slow or do they just grow them that much smarter elsewere? For Gods sake, the virus doesn't care how old you are*, it they can walk they can wear a mask.



*granted younger folks may get less virulent cases of the disease, but they will still get it



STAY SAFE WEAR MASKS

Honestly the chat in these council meetings is the best part. People getting all angry and telling into the void. I love it.

At this point, just make it 10 and move on.

Honestly the chat in these council meetings is the best part. People getting all angry and telling into the void. I love it.

Yeah the chat is a real @&*#@show.

Feeling good about my decision to not read the chat.

Sans McAtee (and not sure about Greiner?) there seems to be more support for this than I realize. Most members seem to have gone in fully expecting to pass this and are just hammering out details.

^

They can't not pass an ordinance.

OKC is just about the only Top 50 U.S. city without one.

^

They can't not pass an ordinance.

OKC is just about the only Top 50 U.S. city without one.

My hangup was that I didn't think they could get the 7 votes, but I think they might actually have it today.

Yeah. Greenwell talking about voting yes because it's not anywhere close to the restrictions recommended by medical professionals is pretty on brand though. Would have gladly taken a 7-2 vote (looks like it'll be 8-1 based on the amendment vote) and have it hew a bit closer to medical guidance.

Edit, Greiner is a solid no.

This won't be passing, will it...

Definitely going to pass (knocks on wood). Was more worried about getting 7 votes, but with Greenwell and apparently Stone seeming inclined to there seems to be reason to be hopeful.

Oooo boy public comment time!

Edmond posted that there will be a special city council meeting at 530 pm on Monday July 20 to discuss the current Declaration of Emergency due to Covid 19. I wonder if now Edmond will follow and pass a mask ordinance?

Edmond posted that there will be a special city council meeting at 530 pm on Monday July 20 to discuss the current Declaration of Emergency due to Covid 19. I wonder if now Edmond will follow and pass a mask ordinance?

I'd be surprised. Only one of the city council folks was supportive of a mandate at the meeting earlier this week.

At this point, just make it 10 and move on.Really, how long did the argue about the lower age limit. Even after 10 was accepted as a good compromise!

Oooo boy public comment time!
Yeah. Unfortunately I had to stop watching because I am at work and expected to get some stuff done.

This is what I expect. I give Stitt credit for not doing what Kemp is doing, but I wouldn't put it past the state legislature at all.

He doesn't have the power to overrule the city. The bill passed in the state house that would have granted him that power was not allowed on the floor of the State Senate.

Stitt can continue to go around spreading his COVID at Wal-Marts without a mask, but he won't be able to overrule our city ordinance.

In Pennsylvanian, every one over the age of 2 needs to wear a mask -- our council is arguing whether we use 10 or 13. Are we admitting that Oklahoma Children are slow or do they just grow them that much smarter elsewere? For Gods sake, the virus doesn't care how old you are*, it they can walk they can wear a mask.



*granted younger folks may get less virulent cases of the disease, but they will still get it



STAY SAFE WEAR MASKS

This is simply a myth. Tell that to the young person who has it in our family. Tired of this trope.

He doesn't have the power to overrule the city. The bill passed in the state house that would have granted him that failure was not allowed on the floor of the State Senate.

Stitt can continue to go around spreading his COVID at Wal-Marts without a mask, but he won't be able to overrule our city ordinance.

OK is a Dillon's rule state, not a home rule state, so doesn't that mean that Stittiot *can* override any local laws/ordinances he wants to?

Oh man these public comments. Masks make people sicker, testing more people just makes it seem like we have more cases and now someone saying the OK department of health reports positive specimens instead of cases so that is why there are so many new cases.

Where do they get all this false info? Facebook?

Edit: Dr. Larry Bookman was on next and talked about the false claims of the others before him. Nice to see him on the call.

This is simply a myth. Tell that to the young person who has it in our family. Tired of this trope.

It’s not a myth at all. It just doesn’t fit your narrative.

Do us a favor and stop spreading disinformation: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0962-9

Thanks

Oh man these public comments. Masks make people sicker, testing more people just makes it seem like we have more cases and now someone saying the OK department of health reports positive specimens instead of cases so that is why there are so many new cases.

Where do they get all this false info? Facebook?

Edit: Dr. Larry Bookman was on next and talked about the false claims of the others before him. Nice to see him on the call.

Here's what worries me on this debate at City Council, because it's definitely a day late and a dollar short. Even if we overnight go to 100% mask adherence, this is not going to turn back around instantly. Count on 2-3 weeks of ongoing climb before plateau, and given how much trouble we seem to have with delayed gratification people will say "See? Masks don't make a difference."

Boy, public comment time is eye-opening.

Too many aint maskers. Too many people won't wear one. Won't matter if this passes more business today said you have to wear a mask to enter. There won't be too many business that your going to be able to go into soon anyway if your not willing to wear a mask,. All the mandate is going to do is maybe protect the business more.
Would these people rather have a shutdown cause once hospitals get full which when you add another 70 plus again today is happening. Once they are full a shut down will be the only thing left to do. Death rates also now are going up. I think 7 today maybe 6 but it was the second highest number we have had since Mid May.

Lawton just passed a mask ordinance. Goes into effect immediately.

https://www.kswo.com/2020/07/17/city-lawton-passes-ordinance-requiring-masks-most-public-situations/

Here's what worries me on this debate at City Council, because it's definitely a day late and a dollar short. Even if we overnight go to 100% mask adherence, this is not going to turn back around instantly. Count on 2-3 weeks of ongoing climb before plateau, and given how much trouble we seem to have with delayed gratification people will say "See? Masks don't make a difference."

If we can't convince people in Oklahoma that if they wear a mask we can have school and football then I believe we can't convince them of anything.

I've always loved Oklahoma and believed in the people and good change can happen here. After this whole ordeal my family is thinking about moving on to another state. I've never seen such hatred and foaming at the mouth here before.

Yeah if doctors and epidemiologists can present scientific evidence to people and they respond back with "don't listen to the medical community" and present their own set of "facts", then I'm not sure what else you can do.

Too many aint maskers. Too many people won't wear one. Won't matter if this passes more business today said you have to wear a mask to enter. There won't be too many business that your going to be able to go into soon anyway if your not willing to wear a mask,. All the mandate is going to do is maybe protect the business more.
Would these people rather have a shutdown cause once hospitals get full which when you add another 70 plus again today is happening. Once they are full a shut down will be the only thing left to do. Death rates also now are going up. I think 7 today maybe 6 but it was the second highest number we have had since Mid May.

Problem with businesses requiring masks vs. an official government mandate with consequences is that businesses will have their employees being the ones called upon to enforce the business's mandate, with no real enforcement powers at all. If I was a min. wage (or even more than min. wage) employee at a store, trying to stop unmasked people from coming in would probably make me say "Bye, didn't sign up for this, above my pay grade, don't need this job", unless I really, really, really needed it (and sadly, lots of people in that position probably *do* really, really, really need that job because our national leadership (both POTUS and Congress) sucks eggs handling this pandemic). Whereas with an official mandate, the police can be called and they *do* have the tools to actually enforce the mandate, *and* it's their job to do things like that.

I'm just curious, how long can the public commentary section of the city council meeting go? Is there a time limit? Number of people? Or just when the mayor decides to stop?

Yeah if doctors and epidemiologists can present scientific evidence to people and they respond back with "don't listen to the medical community" and present their own set of "facts", then I'm not sure what else you can do.With the number of medical professionals that have been on the community comments for passing this afternoon if the council votes no or even passes with not enough yeses for it to be immediate we as a city have a BIG problem with our “leadership “.

Problem with businesses requiring masks vs. an official government mandate with consequences is that businesses will have their employees being the ones called upon to enforce the business's mandate, with no real enforcement powers at all. If I was a min. wage (or even more than min. wage) employee at a store, trying to stop unmasked people from coming in would probably make me say "Bye, didn't sign up for this, above my pay grade, don't need this job", unless I really, really, really needed it (and sadly, lots of people in that position probably *do* really, really, really need that job because our national leadership (both POTUS and Congress) sucks eggs handling this pandemic). Whereas with an official mandate, the police can be called and they *do* have the tools to actually enforce the mandate, *and* it's their job to do things like that.

Wrong. Any person who enters a private business is a Licensee.

The person’s license may be revoked by the business at any time, including those times where a customer is violating a policy.

If the customer tries to remain in the store after the license is revoked, he becomes a trespasser and the police can be called.

With the number of medical professionals that have been on the community comments for passing this afternoon if the council votes no or even passes with not enough yeses for it to be immediate we as a city have a BIG problem with our “leadership “.

Yeah, can't remember if I said it before here, but was telling my wife that no matter how good a job Holt and the Council have done up until now, their handling of the pandemic is like a semester final that is worth 75% of your final grade. Holt has failed the semester, hope the Council doesn't.

Yeah, can't remember if I said it before here, but was telling my wife that no matter how good a job Holt and the Council have done up until now, their handling of the pandemic is like a semester final that is worth 75% of your final grade. Holt has failed the semester, hope the Council doesn't.The more if your posts I read all across this forum the more I like you. When it’s safe to I’d like to buy you a drink, beer, wine, coffee whatever you’re good with.

This won't be passing, will it...

Yep!

It’s not a myth at all. It just doesn’t fit your narrative.

Do us a favor and stop spreading disinformation: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-020-0962-9

Thanks

The reference to my family member is anything but myth. Neither are Dr. Fauci's comments from this week. They are only now beginning to understand the damage this does to young people. No reason to be so snippy.

The more if your posts I read all across this forum the more I like you. When it’s safe to I’d like to buy you a drink, beer, wine, coffee whatever you’re good with.

Ha, thanks, we do seem to be on the same page quite a bit... Maybe after my digestive system gets over all the alcohol I've been ingesting lately (and have now stopped for a while :)), we can go to someplace that has a good dark beer on tap (unfortunately not the Prairie tap room - all they seem to have (had) is sours and IPAs on tap, weird they didn't have any of their Bomb-type beers on tap. :( ). So let's mark our calendars for the 2nd Tuesday of the 2nd week next March, lol....

BREAKING: Texas is reporting 174 deaths since yesterday due to COVID-19 -- by far the worst day since the pandemic began here. In 7 days 722 people have died, an average of 103 per day. During previous 7 days that was 63 per day.

Let's not be like Texas. How hard is this to understand.

^

Deaths in Oklahoma are up 87% from last week.

I’m admittedly not watching so someone that is feel free to correct me or add context that wasn’t relayed to me, but we’ve apparently reached the point in the city council meeting where a concerned citizen is comparing the mask requirement to Jim Crow laws. I wish I could say I’m completely shocked, but nothing really surprises me anymore.

Is Todd Stone going to sink this? .......