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Here’s to a new year! New hope and new goals! Thank you to everyone who made 2020 a little brighter! It was a tough year that required a lot of determination, perseverance, and adaptability , so thanks again! Warmest wishes for a Happy 2021 to you all!

Mayor David Holt is imploring Oklahoma City to take a break from higher-risk activities for the next 10 days, and keep our distance from each other to stop the ...skyrocketing spread of COVID-19 in the metro. Mayor Holt is issuing a new emergency proclamation providing for local enforcement of restrictions on bars and restaurants announced earlier this week by Governor Kevin Stitt. He is also asking residents to work from home, order takeout, avoid meetings and gatherings that lack distance, and take extra precautions around Thanksgiving and holiday shopping. It’s time to get real, Mayor Holt said Thursday during a virtual news conference at the OKC-County Health Department (OCCHD). For at least the next 10 days, I’m asking you to make some tough decisions and take a break. Since Nov. 1, daily new coronavirus case counts have nearly tripled from already high levels in the Oklahoma City metro, according to state and local public health data. At more than 800 new cases per day, it’s about 16 times higher than the spring. About 1 out of every 100 metro residents has tested positive for the virus in the last three weeks. Local hospitals are operating near capacity and expect even more patients, as many people infected during the dramatic recent increase in new cases get sicker in the coming days and weeks. OCCHD Director Dr. Patrick McGough said people should consider the cost of their Thanksgiving plans. Consider whether that plan is worth spending two to three weeks in the hospital. Consider whether that plan is worth unknowingly giving the virus to your grandmother, grandfather, aunt or uncle, who could potentially lose their life before the end of the year if exposed to the virus, he said. Trust me, not seeing your family for one Thanksgiving is far better than having that chair empty next year, and every year after. Watch Mayor Holt’s and Dr. McGough’s comments in their entirety here on Facebook at fb.com/cityofokc: https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=294655231757946 Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local coronavirus information. > 10 days to stop the spread The vast majority of people infected with COVID-19 develop symptoms within 10 days, according to expert analysis of public health data. If everyone keeps their distance and wears masks during brief public outings for necessities or essential work, we can slow down the virus within those 10 days. Mayor Holt is asking for all Oklahoma City residents to take specific steps for at least the next 10 days to stop the spread: - Don’t meet in groups, especially indoors. Politely decline social invitations. Suggest a phone or video call instead. - Order takeout to support restaurants. But don’t gather with others there. - Think of ways to gather for Thanksgiving without doing it indoors around a dinner table. Gather virtually or try outdoor drive-by visits. - People with authority over office workplaces should transition staff to remote work. Do not hold in-person meetings. For those who must work in person, call co-workers instead of visiting them, even from the office next door. - Religious leaders should encourage their communities to follow these guidelines. - For any gathering that must take place, require masks and distancing. - Wear masks for holiday shopping. Many local and national retailers also have curbside pickup for online or phone orders. - Help elevate this message: Tell family, friends and neighbors to take a break for 10 days. > New emergency proclamation Mayor Holt will update Oklahoma City’s COVID-19 emergency proclamation to mirror parts of Gov. Stitt’s executive order dated Nov. 16. Bars, restaurants and requiring and similar venues are required to stop in-person service by 11 p.m., and provide at least 6 feet of distance or barriers between parties served on-premises. The new local proclamation provides local Oklahoma City Police Department and code inspector enforcement of the statewide order. Oklahoma City’s mask ordinance remains in place until at least Dec. 7. The City Council has discretion to consider an extension during its next scheduled meeting Nov. 24. Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest local coronavirus information, including the emergency proclamation, mask ordinance, City services updates and public health data. Free signs about the mask requirement to print for display at local businesses and other public spaces, along with social media graphics and animations, are available on a public shared drive at covid19.okc.gov. The free signs are available in English, Spanish (español), Vietnamese (Ting Vit), Arabic () and Korean (). https://www.okc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/3650/5296

The City Council voted in a special meeting Friday to approve an emergency public safety ordinance requiring face coverings in indoor public places throughout O...klahoma City. The ordinance took effect immediately. Read it here: https://www.okc.gov/Home/ShowDocument?id=19000 Public health officials say face coverings are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Evidence shows there’s a high risk of infected people spreading the virus with their breath if they don’t use a face covering. Evidence also shows infected people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms. Free signs about the requirements to print for display at local businesses and other public spaces, along with social media graphics and animations, are available on a public shared drive at covid19.okc.gov. Visit covid19.okc.gov for the latest on the coronavirus in Oklahoma City, including other emergency restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19. > Face covering requirements Everyone in Oklahoma City age 11 and up is required to wear a face covering, like a mask or face shield, in indoor public spaces. There are some exceptions. Public health officials also recommend face coverings for children age 3 and up, although it’s not a requirement in the emergency ordinance. Face coverings are required only in indoor spaces open to the public, including private property. The face covering must cover both the nose and mouth. A face shield is an alternative to a cloth face covering or mask. Here are general CDC recommendations about cloth face coverings and masks: https://www.cdc.gov//prevent-get/about-face-coverings.html Exceptions to face covering requirements are: - Children age 10 and under, unless required by a school or daycare. - People working in an office who don’t have face-to-face interactions with the public. - Patrons of restaurants, bars and similar establishments while eating or drinking. - People in settings where it isn’t practical or feasible to wear a face covering, like receiving dental services, swimming or playing at a sprayground. - People engaged in sports (including for recreation). - People engaged in cardio exercises. But people should make reasonable efforts to observe social distancing between groups of people from different households. - People inside any federal, state or county building or facility. - People inside a public or private school building or facility, unless required by the school. - People at a religious service or ceremony where social distancing is observed between groups of people from different households. - People with a developmental disability. - People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The requirements expire Sept. 8, unless the Council takes further action. > Enforcement The ordinance allows for enforcement by the Oklahoma City Police Department, or code inspectors from the OKC-County Health Department (OCCHD) and the City’s Development Services Department. The Council prefers enforcement by code inspectors when possible. When responding to calls for enforcement, inspectors or officers will first offer a mask or an opportunity for the person to leave the public, indoor space. People who refuse to wear the mask or leave would be subject to a fine of $9 on a conviction for a first or second offense. The fine would rise to a maximum of $100 for third and subsequent offenses. People with a medical condition preventing them from safely wearing a mask can produce a document from their physician confirming that information, and will not be subject to a conviction and fine. > Frequently asked questions Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the requirements. Q: Who is required to wear a face covering, and in what situations? A: Everyone in Oklahoma City age 11 and over is subject to the requirements when inside most buildings accessible to the public. There are narrow exceptions. Public health officials recommend children age 3 and up should also wear face coverings, but that is not required by the emergency ordinance. Q: Why are face coverings required? A: Public health officials say face coverings are key to slowing the spread of COVID-19. Evidence shows there’s a high risk of infected people spreading the virus with their breath if they don’t wear a face covering. Evidence also shows infected people can spread the virus even if they don’t have symptoms. You protect others by wearing a mask, and others protect you by wearing theirs. Q: What kind of face covering is required? A: It must cover your nose and mouth. A face shield is an alternative to a cloth face covering or mask. Here are some general CDC recommendations about cloth face coverings and masks: - It should cover your nose and mouth. - It should be secured under your chin, and fit snugly against the side of your face. - Make sure you can breathe easily. - Wash cloth masks after using them. Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov//prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-clot - Read more here about how to wear a mask: https://www.cdc.gov//prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wear-clot - Read more here about how to make a mask at home: https://www.cdc.gov///how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html Q: Are face coverings required for children and staff at schools and day cares? A: It’s at the discretion of the school or daycare operator. Public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for people inside office buildings, warehouses and other workplaces closed to the public? A: No, if it’s closed to the public. But public health officials recommend wearing face coverings when in shared spaces inside those buildings, including all shared work spaces, hallways, bathrooms, conference rooms, elevators, stairwells and similar locations. Q: Are face coverings required outdoors? A: No. But public health officials recommend wearing face coverings outdoors in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for people at restaurants, bars and similar places? A: Yes, except for when eating or drinking. Q: Are face coverings required for people in parks, trails and similar outdoor spaces? A: No. But public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: Are face coverings required for walking in neighborhoods, or playing sports? A: No. But public health officials recommend face coverings in public settings for anyone age 3 and up. Q: I have a health condition that makes it unsafe for me to wear a face covering, but businesses are refusing to grant me access. What can I do? A: Businesses are allowed to deny entry and refuse service. Q: Can I carry a gun while wearing a face covering? A: There’s no restriction related to wearing a face covering while carrying a gun.