Tulsa City Council votes unanimously to extend mask mandate

(TULSA, Okla.) Wednesday evening, Tulsa City Councilors voted and approved a citywide addendum to the City’s existing mask ordinance, which lowers the age requirement for those who are required to wear a mask from ages 18 and over to ages 10 and over. Additionally, the ordinance will now expire the earlier of Jan. 31, 2021, or when the expiration of all Civil Emergency Orders related to COVID-19 issued by the Mayor; or by repeal, modification or extension by the City Council through a subsequent ordinance. “I am thankful for the City Council’s broad support in approving this important amendment to our mask ordinance,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “Our local health care leaders made clear how important it was for more children to be wearing masks, especially as they return to classrooms. This amendment is critical in a time when we need to continue to ensure the integrity of our local health care system.” Based on the amended ordinance, masks are required for all individuals 10 years old and older in the city limits of Tulsa who will be in public places where social distancing is challenging. These include, but are not limited to, places like grocery stores, retail stores and public areas where social distancing cannot be followed. Additionally, the approved ordinance addendum includes updated language as it relates to exceptions to the ordinance, specifically on athletic team activities where wearing a face mask becomes impractical. All other elements of the existing mask ordinance, which the City Council passed with a 7-2 vote in July, remain the same. “I am grateful for the City Council’s decision today to lower the age on the City of Tulsa mask mandate,” Tulsa Health Department Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart said. “Our local health data indicate that the fastest rate of growth for COVID-19 cases is currently occurring among children in the 5-17 age group. Masks are a proven step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with everyday preventative actions and social distancing in public settings.” For more information about masks in Tulsa, including a detailed list of FAQs, exceptions to the ordinance and ordinance-specific guidance, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/masks.