Masks required inside public spaces
OKC Council approves ordinance expiring Sept. 8
The Oklahoma City Council on Friday approved a mask ordinance to fight a COVID19 surge.
The council voted 6-3 for the ordinance, then 7-2 for an “emergency” clause to make it effective immediately, with Ward 4 Councilman Todd Stone joining the majority.
Stone had said he favored rallying public support through a communications campaign over a mandate but, once the measure passed, he voted against de laying implementation.
With COVID-19 hospitalizations on the rise, sponsor Mark Stonecipher said implementation was vital.
“We don't have the luxury of time,” said Stonecipher, the Ward 8 councilman. He urged the council “to do what our doctors are asking us to do, in some cases begging us to do.”
The measure requires masks to be worn in indoor
public spaces.
The council approved amendments to lessen penalties for noncompliance before the final votes, which followed two hours of comments from 42 citizens and several more hours of di s cussion among the mayor and eight council members.
Mayor David Holt said he believes government exists to meet collective challenges, likening the pandemic to a threat to the general welfare of the state and nation.
"This mask is our war bond," he said ." It is our yellow ribbon. It is our common defense."
The measure is temporary, intended to carry the city through the Labor Day weekend, in response to public health officials' concerns that holiday gatherings could accelerate spread of the coronavirus.
The measure is due to expire Sept. 8.
Most of Friday' s callers to the council' s teleconferenced meeting favored the ordinance.
Medical professionals said evidence shows masks are effective in arresting coronavirus spread.
Some advocates said the ordinance was insufficient, urging that it be amended to include public health officials' recommendations to reverse re opening by closing bars, prohibiting indoor restaurant dining and limiting social gatherings to 25 individuals.
Some pointed out private businesses are increasingly requiring masks to enter. Others argued against government imposing on their freedom to choose whether to wear a mask.
The ordinance includes about a dozen exemptions, including an exemption for worship services.
Had Stone voted against putting the ordinance into effect immediately, the soonest it could have taken effect would have been Aug. 21.
Public health officials said the rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations was threatening the health care system's ability to cope.
Hospitalizations statewide were rising at the rate of 8% a day earlier this week.
"The majority of the council selected our path forward and although I disagree with the mandate, I felt that there would be no gain in waiting 30 days for the start," Stone said by text after the vote.