Oklahoma City face mask ordinance now in effect

The city council for Oklahoma City recently adopted an emergency city ordinance in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In short, the ordinance requires that “all persons shall wear face coverings when entering and while inside any indoor place open to the public” in Oklahoma City. The vote passed by a count of 6-3. The measure was given “emergency” status and therefore goes into effect immediately. It expires at midnight on September 7 (immediately after Labor Day). Here’s how the new ordinance applies to Oklahoma City employers.

The basics

Under the new ordinance, all people in Oklahoma City must wear “face coverings” when they are “inside any indoor place open to the public.” The term “face covering” as used in the ordinance means (1) “a uniform piece of material that securely covers a person’s nose and mouth and remains affixed in place without the use of one’s hands,” and/or (2) “a face shield.” Face coverings under this ordinance may be disposable or non-disposable.

It’s important to note the ordinance is now the floor for Oklahoma City area businesses, and a private business is still free to impose stricter requirements. Although the ordinance provides for fines, individuals who don’t follow the requirements imposed by a private business are subject to removal by police for trespassing.

Exceptions

The ordinance provides a number of common-sense exceptions. These include: