We remain concerned that COVID-19 new cases and hospitalizations continue to remain at elevated levels in Oklahoma City. We have been working all week on a new mitigation response and I can now share a brief update...

Councilman Mark Stonecipher is introducing an ordinance to require masks be worn in indoor public places (with common sense exceptions).

@mstonecipher13

Councilman Stonecipher’s stated intent is to lower the demand being placed on our hospitals by flattening the curve through the use of masks, an approach that allows our economy and employment to continue their recoveries.

I am calling a special meeting of the City Council to be held virtually this Friday at 1:00 p.m., where the only item on the agenda will be consideration of this proposed ordinance.

Of the top 50 largest American cities, 46 have a requirement to wear masks in indoor public places.

(The four exceptions are Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Colorado Springs and Omaha.)

Two-thirds of those requirements are the result of a mandate put in place by a Governor, but regardless of how they came to be, they set a standard for the individual behavior that is expected in order to keep our people safe and our cities open.

Mask wearing in indoor public places is proven to dramatically reduce the rate of transmission, something we clearly need in Oklahoma City.

It is my intention to vote in favor of Councilman Stonecipher’s proposal on Friday. There are 8 other Members of the Council & if you support a mask ordinance in order to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our city, I encourage you to reach out to your Councilmember before Friday.

As a reminder, the Council is also scheduled to meet jointly in a virtual workshop with the Oklahoma City-County Board of Health ( @okchealth) on Thursday at 8:30 a.m. to hear recommendations in regards to a mask ordinance and other pandemic mitigation responses.

In the meantime, restrictions issued two weeks ago on bars, restaurants and theater-style seating remain in effect.

As always, wear your mask, wash your hands and keep your distance. Be well, OKC.