A. The United States is experiencing and outbreak of Novel Coronavirus-2019 also known as COVID-19; and
B. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the COVID-19 outbreak as a pandemic; and
C. On March 13, 2020 the President of the United States declared a National Emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the declaration is still in effect today; and
D. On March 15, 2020, the Governor of Oklahoma declared a State of Emergency because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the declaration is still in effect today; and
E. The Center for Disease Control ("CDC") has emphasized the COVID-19 risk to individuals is dependent on exposure and transmission is through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes; and
F. There have been over 2,072 COVID-19 related deaths statewide with over fifteen (15) deaths in Seminole and the immediately surrounding area; and
G. The City Council of the City of Seminole (City) finds that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified a virus, COVID-19, which is causing a pandemic throughout the world and the United States remains present, extremely contagious, and potentially deadly within the city; and
H. After reaching a low point for positive tests and hospitalizations, in June, Oklahoma experienced a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 positive tests and hospitalizations; and
I. After a period where the rise in new cases subsided, the increase in new cases and positive testing percentages has resumed this past week and remains at an elevated level related to the previous phases of the pandemic; and
J. Since mid-June, hospitalizations have consistently remained at an elevated level that causes concern to public health officials; and
K. The Oklahoma State Department of Health ("OSDH") has successfully identified safety measures what will substantially improve the City's response to this pandemic, preserving the health of the community; and
L. Based upon information provided by local healthcare providers and public health experts, the current surge occurred, in part, due to public gatherings associated with the Labor Day holiday; and
M. One strong recommendation by the CDC and PCHD is the adoption of the safety measure for the mandatory wearing of face coverings (masks) over the nose and mouth to help prevent air-born virus particles from causing new infections and, depending on the design of the mask, can also help prevent the persons wearing the face covering to not become infected with COVID-19; and
N. With the transmission of COVID-19 and COVID-related hospitalizations continuing at an elevated level, provisions for the safety of the life, health, and property of Seminole residents are still necessary; and
O. The City Council of the City declares that the continuing occurrence and threat of widespread or severe damage, injury, or loss of life or property from COVID-19, including severe economic damage to the City and the State of Oklahoma, which can result from COVID-19 justifies emergency action by the City to help avert such danger or damage and to protect the public health; and
P. The City Council further declares an emergency need for an ordinance containing the COVID-19 safety measure for the mandatory wearing of face coverings over the nose and mouth whenever persons are in any place or setting open to the general public; and
Q. The City Council of the City further notes that the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in several U.S. states is raising concern that the economic recovery that likely began in May could falter if authorities re-impose lockdowns or consumers reduce spending out of fear that getting out and about could mean they get the sometimes fatal disease; and
R. The City Council also finds that it is appropriate and in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare and would further protect property and civil order, of the Civil Council to adopt this COVID-19 Safety Code with a regulation mandating the wearing of masks over the nose and mouth whenever persons are entering and while inside any indoor place open to the public; and
S. The City Council of the City states that this COVID-19 Safety Code measure is being enacted to help limit the health impacts and slow the spread of COVID-19 by mandating the wearing of face coverings over the nose and mouth whenever persons are entering and while inside any indoor place open to the public; and
T. Accordingly, the City council also finds that it is appropriate and in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare and would further protect property and civil order, for the City council to limit the duration of this ordinance to and until April 14, 2021 with the mask requirement expiring at 12:00 a.m on April 14, 2021; provided for the ages this requirement applies to, the City Council has determined that ages five (5) and up is appropriate, but the public should keep in mind that the CDC recommends that persons three (3) and up should wear masks. (Ord. 1252, 12-14-2020)