MEDIA RELEASE
(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / August 19, 2020) – Stillwater Mayor Joyce signed the latest proclamation declaring a state of emergency amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of Stillwater’s existing restrictions and guidelines remain the same, though Stillwater’s bars are now required to follow stricter guidelines.
Bars, nightclubs, dancehalls and bar service areas in restaurants will be required to implement the following guidelines beginning today, August 19. These procedures and requirements supersede state-mandated and industry rules and regulations unless the state-mandated or industry rules and regulations impose a stricter standard of care or practice.
These restrictions and requirements will remain in effect through November 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. unless it is extended, rescinded, superseded or amended in writing.
This addition to the City’s guidelines comes after community-wide concern generated by viral videos of patrons crowding in Stillwater bars over the weekend. City Council discussed this and further restrictions at its August 17 meeting, and Mayor Will Joyce signed the latest declaration of emergency including these restrictions on August 18. Download and view the proclamation at http://stillwater.org/files/news-releases/covid-19/Aug.-18-procclamation.pdf.
The City continues to work closely with OSU, Payne County Health Department, Stillwater Medical Center and other local organizations to keep the community safe, informed and healthy. OSU is in the middle of its campus reopening plan called “Cowboys Coming Back,” which includes policies and guidelines for contact tracing, COVID-19 testing, touch-point cleaning and personal health responsibilities. For more information, visit https://go.okstate.edu/coronavirus/campus-reopening-plan/plan-at-a-glance/index.html.
“It’s important to remember that our individual actions can affect the community as a whole— so let’s continue to love our neighbors by washing our hands, wearing a face covering and avoiding crowds,” City Manager Norman McNickle said. “Let’s work together as a community to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Anyone experiencing symptoms or that may have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 is asked to contact their healthcare provider or the County Health Department for testing. Residents are encouraged to follow the Payne County Health Department Facebook page for up-to-date information on testing opportunities.
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The City updates residents on latest guidelines, case counts, economic recovery plans and more related to the COVID-19 pandemic on its COVID-19 webpage. Go to Stillwater.org/COVID-19.
For media inquiries, contact the Department of Marketing and Civic Engagement at 405.742.8219 or email news@stillwater.org.
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