Commissioners delay mask mandate vote

Oklahoma County commissioners discussed and ultimately postponed voting on a mask mandate that would require face coverings throughout all county facilities to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Commissioner Kevin Calvey said he would not support a mask mandate in all common areas because he believes that “for most people,” wearing a mask the entire time they would be in a county building “would actually be a worse health risk than not wearing a mask.”

Local, state and national health authorities have said masks are an effective way of slowing the spread of COVID-19, and only those under the age of 2 and those with medical complications have been advised not to wear a mask.

David Barnes, director of the county's emergency management division, recommended masks be worn throughout county facilities as cases in the state and in Oklahoma County continue to spike.

“I respectfully recommend that in order to enhance the protection of employees, employee families, customers and visitors to Oklahoma County facilities, the use of cloth or surgical style face masks be required in all common areas and office areas,” Barnes said.

“I'm not foolish to think we can eliminate all hazards from the workplace. However, I do believe it is prudent that we move forward with measures that we do see and can identify.”

Barnes said between July 1 and July 13, Oklahoma County saw a 59% increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases. So far, 12 county employees have tested positive for the virus.

Commissioners pr e - viously voted to require masks in elevators inside county facilities.

Calvey said he would be open to looking at additional information or alternative work options for those who are worried about catching the virus, but he moved to postpone voting on the mandate.

Calvey and Commissioner Brian Maughan voted to discuss the mandate at a later date, and a delegate for Commissioner Carrie Blumert, her chief deputy Joe Blough, voted against delaying the mandate.

“For most people, COVID is not deadly or even all that much of a problem,” Calvey said. “But obviously, for a minority of our population, it has proven deadly for some. So I do appreciate the seriousness of it.”

Blough said Blumert's office has received several emails from the public and county employees who are asking for more protective measures to be taken.

He added that it is not a leap to require masks in county facilities after already voting to require masks in county elevators.

“I appreciate you wanting to do a little more research ,” Bl ought old Calvey, “but as (Barnes) pointed out, the statistics are overwhelming that we have a serious problem here in Oklahoma.”

Two county residents who are lawyers said they wanted a mask mandate.

“When lawyers are commanded to come to court … I have no option but to come here,” said Jackie Ford, detailing how a mask mandate would help her feel safe while doing her job.

Another local attorney said masks are si mple, inexpensive and will “protect our family.”

Maughan said he was in favor of postponing a vote until after the Oklahoma City City Council decides if a mask mandate will be required within city limits.

The council will meet this week to discuss its own mandate options. It was believed that this might cover county facilities, but the current version of the draft ordinance does not include mandating masks inside county property.

Maughan also said there needs to be “consistent messaging” between commissioners and the judges who work within the same main building downtown but can decide whether or not to enforce mask wearing on their side of the building.

Currently, masks are not required for someone going to the courthouse, though certain judges may require a mask in their personal courtroom.

“We have a lot more people than some folks think that are resistant to this,” Maughan said, adding that how to legally enforce such a mandate has been debated. “I want to make sure that our ability to enforce this is successful and consistent.”

Commissioners did vote to ask Oklahoma City if a portion of Robert S. Kerr Avenue could be shut down in the coming weeks to provide outdoor space to screen and house jurors once jury trials resume in August.