HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 20_Encouragment of Mask and protective measures_COVID-19CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
RESOLUTION 2020 -20
A RESOLUTION STRONGLY ENCOURAGING THE USE OF MASKS AND OTHER
PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO REDUCE COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION OF THE COVID -19
VIRUS, AND PLEDGING SUPPORT TO THOSE PROPERTY OWNERS AND BUSINESSES
WHO REQUIRE THE USE OF MASKS IN THE CITY OF OWASSO
WHEREAS, an outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) has resulted in an ongoing global
pandemic;
WHEREAS, On July 10, 2020, The Honorable J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma issued
the Second Amended Executive Order 2020 -20, declaring a state of emergency in all 77
Oklahoma Counties caused by the increased threat of COVID -19, and on November 16,
2020, announced several new restrictions effective Thursday, November 19, 2020,
including a mandatory closing time for bars, spacing of tables within restaurants and
compulsory wearing of masks for State employees and visitors to State facilities;
WHEREAS, COVID -19 cases have recently increased significantly within the City of
Owasso;
WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control (CDC) as well as the Oklahoma State
Department of Health (OSDH) recommend the continuation of proper social distancing
procedures and other precautionary measures, specifically the proper use of masks
covering the nose and mouth to prevent the spread of COVID -19;
WHEREAS, the CDC guidance on masks recommend that the general public wear cloth
face coverings in public settings and when around people who don't live in your
household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain;
furthermore, cloth face coverings may help prevent people who have COVID -19 from
spreading the virus to others; furthermore, cloth face coverings are most likely to reduce
the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings;
WHEREAS, in addition to the use of face coverings, the CDC also recommends people
keep six (6) feet of physical distance from others, avoid touching their faces and engage
in regular handwashing as much as possible, and avoid group gatherings whenever
possible;
WHEREAS, the CDC guidance recommends that the general public should also wear
face coverings in ALL outdoor settings where there is exposure to non - household
members, unless there exists ample space of 6 feet or more to practice physical
distancing;
WHEREAS, exemptions for children of a certain age and individuals with disabilities who
cannot wear a mask as outlined by CDC guidelines and health professionals are
recognized;
WHEREAS, business owners have the right to establish and enforce health safety
requirements for individuals entering their place of business which may include a
requirement to wear a mask;
WHEREAS, business owners have the right to seek assistance from law enforcement in
instances where individuals refuse to comply with the standards established by the
business owner; and
WHEREAS, the City of Owasso wishes to encourage the use of masks /facial coverings in
workplaces, retail stores, businesses, restaurants & bars, fitness centers, places of worship,
businesses providing personal services, and medical and healthcare facilities, and wishes
to pledge its support to those property owners and businesses requiring masks/facial
coverings on their property.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF OWASSO, OKLAHOMA that, in an effort
to help curb the spread of COVID -19, and for the health, welfare, and benefit of its
citizens, that:
1. It is strongly recommended that ALL Owasso citizens properly wear a mask while in
public;
2. It is strongly recommended and encouraged that all places of business, workplaces,
retail stores, businesses, restaurants & bars, fitness centers, places of worship,
businesses providing personal services, and medical and healthcare facilities in the
City of Owasso require the use of masks /facial coverings on such properties;
3. The City of Owasso, and the Owasso Police Department, pledge their support to
those places requiring the use of masks /facial coverings, and pledge to provide
assistance in instances where individuals refuse to comply with the standards
established by the business owner(s) or property owner(s), as allowed by Oklahoma
Statutes and Owasso City Ordinances;
4. It is strongly recommended that, in addition to the use of masks, Owasso residents
take further steps to reduce community transmission of COVID-19 by keeping six (6)
feet of physical distance from others, avoid touching their faces, engage in regular
handwashing and avoid group gatherings whenever possible.
(SEAL)
PASSED AND APPROVED this 17th day of November, 2020.
OWASSO, OKLAHOMA
City Attorney