Masks required at state Capitol
Leaders of the Oklahoma House and Senate said Monday they will require people in the state Capitol to wear masks.
After Gov. Kevin Stitt said he will issue an executive order requiring state employees and visitors to state buildings to wear masks, legislative leaders said they will institute the same policy in the Capitol.
“Because executive orders do not apply to the legislative branch, the House will observe the same mask policy the governor set for the rest of government," said House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka. "It's a reasonable precaution with case counts rising in Oklahoma County and statewide."
Although Stitt's office is located in the Capitol, legislative leaders control much of the space within the building and often get to decide protocols for the area.
Senate Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, touted the effectiveness of masks to slow the spread of COVID-19.
"I appreciate Gov. Stitt for taking measures to protect public health," Treat said. "This is a serious disease, and we should all take it seriously and take the necessary steps to protect our neighbors and ourselves. The Senate will observe the governor's executive order in an effort to protect the health and safety of those who work in the Capitol and those who may visit the People's House.”
Last week, Oklahoma House members were sworn in for two-year terms at a ceremony at the state Capitol. Many of the lawmakers in attendance did not consistently wear masks. Similarly, not all senators wore masks during Monday's ceremonies at the Capitol.
Two House legislators tested positive for COVID- 19 last week after showing no symptoms of the virus.
Five House staffers have also tested positive for the virus, but none of those employees were working the day lawmakers were at the Capitol to be sworn in, a House spokesman said. Contact tracing is underway.
Legislators are also working on plans to ensure the legislative session that begins Feb. 1 is safe despite COVID-19.