Community Corner

New Proclamation Issued In Oklahoma City Coronavirus Response, Takes Effect July 3

The proclamation requirements take effect July 3 and continue through July 17.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner

Press release from the City of Oklahoma City:

July 2, 2020

Mayor David Holt signed a new emergency proclamation for Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 response that includes requirements and recommendations for high-risk activities that are intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

Find out what's happening in Oklahoma Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The proclamation requirements take effect July 3 and continue through July 17. Read the proclamation here.

Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local COVID-19 news, guidance and City services updates.

Find out what's happening in Oklahoma Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Food service and similar

All employees of restaurants, bars and similar establishments must wear face coverings (masks) while on premises. This includes breweries, wineries, taverns, shopping mall food courts, food halls, cafeterias, night clubs and any other food service establishments.

Bars must limit customer occupancy to 50% of the Fire Marshal’s listed occupancy load. This includes any business designated by the ABLE Commission as a Type I facility.

Theater-style seating

Any venue with theater-style seating where people gather for presentations or entertainment must use staggered seating so groups are socially distanced.

This includes movie and live performance theaters, concert halls, sporting venues, amusement parks, places of worship, wedding venues, event venues and funeral homes.

General recommendations

Mayor Holt and public health officials ask everyone in Oklahoma City to wear a mask when they’re indoors with people outside of their household and unable to stay at least 6 feet away from others.

Mayor Holt reminds residents that businesses have every right to require the use of masks. He encourages business owners to do so, and states that the City of Oklahoma City is prepared to support private property rights.

It’s also important to wash your hands regularly, avoid unnecessarily touching your face, and practice social distancing.

All businesses are encouraged to consult and follow U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols and Oklahoma City-County Health Department (OCCHD) guidelines, which are available at occhd.org/reopen.

OSHA guidelines

Following U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, employers in Oklahoma City should allow employees who choose to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) because of potential hazards on the job to do so, if it doesn’t interfere with essential job functions. Enforcement will be through mechanisms provided by OSHA.

Enforcement and penalty

Call 911 to report a violation of the proclamation.

A violation of the proclamation’s terms would be a class “b” misdemeanor under City Code, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $750.

Background

The emergency proclamation is authorized under Chapter 15 Article III of City Code and Title 21, Section 1321.9 of Oklahoma Statutes. It was first issued March 16, and was previously modified March 17, March 25, March 28, April 2, April 29, May 14 and May 29. It will remain in effect until the Mayor signs a proclamation to end it. The Mayor may modify the terms of the emergency for as long as it remains in effect.

The terms of state and local emergency restrictions are based on fast-evolving guidance from the CDC, OCCHD and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH).

What to do if you're sick

COVID-19 symptoms are:

  • Fever
  • Dry cough
  • Shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Chills
  • Muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Here's a symptom tracker.

If you’re sick, stay home. Avoid public areas. Stay away from others. Wear a mask or other face covering when you are around other people.

If you're sick, do not go to the ER. Consult first with a health care provider. Regardless of whether tests show you have a common cold, the flu or COVID-19, doctors will tell most people to stay home, rest, get plenty of fluids and avoid contact with others.

If your symptoms worsen, you have difficulty breathing or you have a fever for more than 72 hours, call your doctor. If you don't have health insurance or a doctor, call (405) 425-4489.

Click here for the state’s testing site dashboard.

Learn more here.

Face coverings

Federal, state and local public health authorities recommend you wear a face covering in public.

They’re primarily to protect you from accidentally infecting others. They keep germs away from others.

Many people infected with the coronavirus take a long time to develop symptoms, or never do. If everyone wears face coverings, it will slow down COVID-19.

Here's a do-it-yourself face covering guide from the CDC.

Read more from the CDC.

Information and resources for people

Information and resources for businesses and organizations

Click here for the latest emergency restrictions in OKC.

This press release was produced by the City of Oklahoma City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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