The Tulsa City Council has extended the mask mandate ordinance through April 30 in an attempt to slow down the Chinese coronavirus pandemic within the city limits.

The ordinance was supposed to end on January 31. It mandates that anyone age 10 or older must wear a mask over their mouth and nose while in public places.

The public places includes most businesses, churches, hospitals, gyms and any place where people can’t stay at least six feet apart. There is an exception for when people are eating or drinking in a restaurant or bar plus during dental work or medical treatment.

Councilor Lori Decter-Wright predicted that the ordinance would eventually be continued through the summer even though thousands of Oklahomans are taking the coronarvirus vaccine.  Health officials have no idea if people who are vaccinated can still transmit the disease.

The ordinance was first passed in July and compliance was up to business owners. Councilors amended the law to require businesses to comply or face enforcement from the Tulsa City/County Health Department. Businesses who violate the ordinance could be fined up to $1,200 and face six months in jail.