When does it go into effect? I heard where it ends in early Sep.
You guys realize that they haven't voted on the actual ordinance yet, right?
Ordinance passes 7-2.
I did not. I saw the vote on the amendment and when it went to public comment I tuned out.
Emergency proclamation passes 7 -2.
I dunno.
City government can be annoying.
Based on those 7 votes, the ordinance is effective immediately.
Interesting that Stone got his no vote on the ordinance, but then yes on the emergency proclamation.
Masks required in indoor public places in Oklahoma City
Post Date:07/17/2020 6:14 PM
The City Council voted in a special meeting Friday to approve an emergency public safety ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public places throughout Oklahoma City.
The ordinance took effect immediately.
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 use a face covering. Evidence also shows infected people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms.
Free signs about the requirements 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.
Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest on the coronavirus in Oklahoma City, including other emergency restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19.
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.
The requirements expire Sept. 8, unless the Council takes further action.
Enforcement
The ordinance allows for enforcement by the Police Department, or code inspectors from the OKC-County Health Department (OCCHD) and the City’s Development Services Department. The Council prefers enforcement by code inspectors when possible.
When responding to calls for enforcement, inspectors or officers 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.
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.
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 day cares?
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 while carrying a gun.
Votes.
Ordinace passed 6-3; emergency enactment was 7-2 with Stone flipping on the latter:
On the ordinance / on the emergency:
COOPER Y / Y
GREENWELL Y / Y
GREINER N / N
HAMON Y / Y
HOLT Y / Y
MCATEE N / N
NICE Y / Y
STONE N / Y
STONECIPHER Y / Y
I’m not sure why Stone flipped on the emergency vote, but I won’t complain.
Nm
Here's a good article and tweet thread on how to talk to anti-maskers without shaming them (which is more effective).
Article: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/ar...-masks/613375/
Tweet thread: https://twitter.com/JuliaLMarcus/sta...818079744?s=20
Glad they passed it but they sure watered it down to almost nothing sometime after I quit listening. They went from initial proposal of $50 fine plus $30 in state mandated costs for first offense to $10 plus $30 to $9 in the final approved ordinance. I understand if the fine is $10 or more the state requires $30 in costs.
Second offense went from $250 plus costs, to $125 plus costs and then somehow also ended up at $9?
Go to a Braums Market you will see it trust me. They get away with murder cause they are half grocery half food. Social Distancing not happen at the one my friends work at. Tables not block off people crowed elbow to elbow waiting on the number to be called to come pick up the food. SMH
This is basically what Texas did. It sucks that it wasn't statewide, but OKC doing this, I feel will start a domino effect around the metro. Not a huge fan of churches not being mandate, but beggars can't be choosers here in Oklahoma.
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