Governor Kevin Stitt is issuing executive orders this week in an attempt to slow the community spread of COVID-19 in Oklahoma. Among the orders, restaurants will have to implement a rule of six feet between tables or use sanitized dividers between customers. Stitt also ordered all bars and dine-in restaurants to be closed by 11:00 p.m. Drive through and curbside pick-up will be allowed after the curfew.
Also, all state employees working under the executive branch will be required to wear a mask when at work and in common areas. Visitors to state buildings will have to wear a mask as well.
Stitt has set a two goals for these measures.
“Throughout the entire battle against COVID-19, my first priority has been to protect the health and lives of Oklahomans,” said Stitt. “Two other things are also very important to me. We’re going to keep businesses open safely and we’re going to work to get all kids back in school safely by the end of Christmas Break. However, it’s going to take everyone working together to meet these goals.”
While the Governor can order the mask requirement for most state buildings, the Capitol building is under the management of the Legislature. Legislative leaders have signaled masks will be required under the dome.
“Because executive orders do not apply to the legislative branch, the House will observe the same mask policy the governor set for the rest of government. It’s a reasonable precaution with case counts rising in Oklahoma County and statewide,” said House Speaker Charles McCall.
“Masks are an effective way to slow the transmission of COVID-19, and each of us should wear one when appropriate. I appreciate Governor Stitt for taking measures to protect public health. This is a serious disease. We should all take it seriously and take the necessary steps to protect our neighbors and ourselves. The Senate will observe the governor’s executive order in an effort to protect the health and safety of those who work in the Capitol and those who may visit the People’s House,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat.
The mask requirements go into effect on Tuesday.
The restaurant and bar executive orders go into effect on Thursday. They have the support of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association.
“We appreciate the leadership of Governor Stitt during these challenging times and the efforts being made to slow the spread of COVID-19. The Oklahoma Restaurant Association and its members want to do our part and at the same time allow our industry to operate safely to protect the health of our employees and customers. We are all in this together and our industry is ready to do its part,” said President and CEO Jim Hopper and Chairman Kurt Fleischfresser in a joint statement.
You can watch Governor Stitt’s COVID Update press conference below.
That is just great. The problem is that our dear Governor doesn’t have the authority to do so. Several Governors in northern states are currently being sued. Be a shame if Keven had to do the “perp walk”. He has been one of the better Governors in the last couple of decades in my opinion.