Gov. Stitt announces statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts in executive order
Posted on: 12/11/20
Yesterday, Gov. Kevin Stitt and Commissioner of Health Lance Frye announced an updated executive order to implement additional statewide COVID-19 mitigation measures.
The measures are intended to further slow the spread of COVID-19 and relieve pressure on crowded hospitals across the state, but do not include a statewide mask mandate called upon by numerous state health care organizations. Action steps include:
• Attendance at youth indoor sporting events will be limited to four spectators per participant or 50% of the building’s capacity, whichever is lower.
• Public gatherings will be limited to 50% capacity unless the local Health Department has granted an exception.
• The rules for bars and restaurants, first implemented under Seventh Amended EO 2020-20, will be extended. Tables must stay six feet apart, unless separated by sanitized dividers, and restaurants and bars must close by 11 p.m. except for drive through or takeout.
• Face masks will continue to be required for all state employees and visitors in state agency buildings.
“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 Ws, you are actively protecting those around you. You might even be saving a life.”
Additionally, the governor and OSDH urged Oklahomans to continue practicing the three Ws during the upcoming holiday season and to follow CDC’s updated guidelines for quarantine. The CDC 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 Ws and celebrate virtually if at all possible,” said Dr. Frye.