Council Approves Mask Resolution Encouraging Mask-Wearing, Vaccination; Mayor and Council to Discuss City Employee Vaccine Stipend

(TULSA, Okla.) On Wednesday, the Tulsa City Council approved a resolution encouraging mask-wearing in Tulsa (in accordance with CDC guidance), and vaccination for Tulsans ages 12 and up. The resolution, which was passed with an emergency clause, took effect immediately following Mayor G.T. Bynum’s signature. 

“I am in complete agreement with my City Council colleagues on this resolution and will sign it when it reaches my desk.  I hope my fellow Tulsans will take note of this unanimous, bipartisan call for all of us to do our part in slowing the spread of a lethal virus by getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public places,” Mayor Bynum said.  

Mayor Bynum and Tulsa City Councilors have also agreed to discuss an Employee Vaccine Stipend Program for City employees at next week’s Council meeting. Under the proposal put forth by the Administration, employees that are fully vaccinated by Oct. 15 would receive a $250 stipend. If individual departments gain a 70 percent vaccination rate by Nov. 1, each vaccinated employee of that department would receive an additional $250 stipend. Funding for this program would be provided by recovery funds.  

Bynum added, “I continue to consult with local health care leadership daily as we determine what actions are necessary to protect the lives of Tulsans. An important initiative along these lines is the Employee Vaccine Stipend Program, which will be presented to the City Council for its consideration next week. As the employer of Tulsa’s front-line workers, we at the City of Tulsa want to increase the vaccination rates of our workforce through this incentive program. An increased rate of vaccination will protect City employees and their ability to serve the citizens of Tulsa through this pandemic.”   

Mask and Vaccine Resolution

Places and settings people are asked to wear masks include, but are not limited to inside settings such as restaurants (while not eating), bars, places of worship, grocery stores, indoor venues and other public indoor spaces where proper social and physical distancing cannot be maintained.  

There is not a fine for violation of the resolution, but the City will enforce its trespassing and disturbing the peace laws for those who violate specific business requirements as it relates to masks. Citizens can make a report if one of these laws is being broken by calling the Tulsa Police Department non-emergency line at (918) 596-9222. Please note, 911 is for life-threatening emergencies only.  

The resolution also recommends those 12 years age and older to get vaccinated and to direct any questions to a trusted health professional.  

For the latest information on masks in Tulsa, visit www.cityoftulsa.org/masks. For the latest COVID-19 information in Tulsa, visit: www.cityoftulsa.org/COVID19.

To schedule a vaccination, visit: www.vaccinate918.com.