Legislator wants mandated mask-wearing in public in Oklahoma

 

While the Oklahoma Corporation Commission extended its closure of its headquarters due to the COVID-19 pandemic, one Democrat legislature urged the governor to require the wearing of masks in public spaces and private businesses.

The Corporation Commission plans to hold a semi-open hearing on Thursday and will require participants to wear masks, sit in assigned seating and take temperatures before entering the building.

Rep. Jason Lowe of Oklahoma City thinks masks should be worn at all times in public and urged Gov. Kevin Stitt to do as governors of 25 other states have done—mandate the wearing of masks on public spaces and private businesses.

He issued his call after the state experienced a record high 993 new COVID-19 cases which is the first time the daily report was more than 900.

“As a COVID-19 survivor, seeing the rapid rise in cases is alarming. Oklahomans must know that the pandemic is far from over and that we still must do what we can to protect ourselves and our community.” Lowe also applauds the leadership of the Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Norman mayors for taking the first steps to enact a mask mandate in public spaces and private businesses and believes the state should take charge as well.

“In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, we must follow the directives of the CDC and our healthcare professionals, all of which who advocate for the widespread use of masks. Matters of public health should never be partisan. I urge Governor Stitt to follow in the steps of fellow governors and put the health and safety of Oklahomans first and mandate that masks be worn in public spaces and private businesses.”

Source: OK House of Representatives