Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Commissioner of Health Lance Frye updated the previous executive order to place more restrictions due to the Chinese coronavirus pandemic and to take pressure off state hospitals.
- Youth indoor sporting events will be limited to four spectators per player or 50% of the arena’s capacity.
- Public gatherings will be limited to 50% capacity unless granted an exception by the local health department.
- Restaurant rules stay in place. Tables must be six feet apart unless dividers are used and restaurants and bars must close by 11 p.m. (except for take out or drive through service).
- Face masks are required for all state employees and visitors to state agencies.
“We’re taking further steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and bring us closer to our three goals: protecting the health and lives of Oklahomans, keeping businesses open safely and getting our kids safely back in school,” said Stitt. “Our healthcare workers, hospitals, students and teachers and small business owners need our help.”
“We’re optimistic with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine in Oklahoma, but it’s important to note that the vaccine is just part of slowing the spread,” said Dr. Frye. “Your actions are making a difference. Every time you choose to follow the three W’s, you are actively protecting those around you. You might even be saving a life.”
The Centers for Disease Control recently announced that the generally recommended 14-day quarantine period for anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19 can be shortened to 10 or seven days under certain circumstances.
- Quarantine can end after day 10 without testing if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.
- Quarantine can end after day seven if the individual tests negative and if no symptoms have been reported during daily monitoring.
“It’s very important that we keep up the hard work as we enter the holiday season. Follow the CDC guidelines for quarantine, practice the three W’s and celebrate virtually if at all possible,” said Frye.
Tulsa Municipal Courts
The Tulsa Municipal Court is scaling back operations to reduce the number of citizens in the courthouse. The courthouse will remain open to all defendants, attorneys, interpreters and citizens who are seeking access. A cashier is on site to accept payments Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
All arraignments and conferences set for Dec. 11, 2020, through Jan. 20, 2021, will be passed for 60 days. All nonjury trials and probation reviews will continue as previously set. From Dec. 8, 2020, through January 20, 2021, warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay will not be issued until after January 20. No jury trials will be conducted until after April 1, 2021.
The City of Tulsa’s overflow shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness has seen a total of 8,635 visits since the launch on September 8. It will remain in operation through the end of June 2021 thanks to additional funds allocated last month. In partnership with Iron Gate, the shelter has distributed 13,355 meals.