Stillwater officials pass public face mask requirement
OKLAHOMA CITY (KOKH) — The second city in Oklahoma will enforce a mask mandate. The Stillwater City Council unanimously passed the measure Thursday night.
The ordinance notes Oklahoma State University students will start arriving in the city soon, coming from "hotspots" they say are in Tulsa County and the DFW metroplex.
It would go into effect July 11 and expire November 30.
Before the vote, a number of people spoke against the ordinance, but other citizens, including doctors at Stillwater Medical Center, stressed the importance.
One person on the other side of the debate had to be escorted out of city hall by police with his children.
When he ended his speech, the man refused to put his mask back on. Another person also took off their mask and then left.
City councilors wrote that businesses "may" deny service to people who aren't wearing a mask.
In addition, the city of Stillwater has set up a hotline that can be reached so people can report those violating the ordinance.
The hotline can be reached at 405-533-8533.
Supporters of the ordinance are concerned about the word "may."
An earlier version said "shall deny service," which makes it mandatory.
People say by changing the wording, businesses now have a way to not adhere to the ordinance.
