COVID-19 Safety Code (Ord. No. 2020-3414) Information and FAQs

On Tuesday, July 28, the Midwest City Council passed an emergency public safety Ordinance No. 2020-3414 (COVID-19 Safety Code) requiring every person in the City of Midwest City to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth when entering and while inside any indoor place open to the public. The ordinance became effective immediately.

What does this new ordinance mean?

It means every person in the City must wear a face covering over the nose and mouth worn consistent with CDC guidelines when inside a commercial entity or other building, structure or space open to the public, wherever it is not feasible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household. (See below for exceptions.)

Why was the ordinance passed?

The recent transmission of the COVID-19 and COVID-related hospitalizations have continued at an elevated level. Provisions for the safety of the life, health and property of Midwest City residents are still needed. The COVID-19 Safety Code was passed to help limit the health impacts and slow the spread of the virus. The goal of requiring the use of face coverings is to help combat the COVID-19 threat to public health using the least restrictive means. If everyone in our city complies with this requirement, we can avoid more restrictive measures.

Our goal is to protect those who live and work in our city as well as to keep our businesses open and save jobs in our city, and have the least impact to our local economy.  We are joining several other cities in our state who have mandates regarding face coverings.  (Examples are Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Norman, Altus, Anadarko, and Warr Acres.)

How long is the ordinance in effect?

The COVID-19 Safety Code is in effect until September 22, 2020 when it will be reconsidered by the City Council and will be repealed, modified or extended. We have a team who monitors the data for our city and county as it relates to coronavirus cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Decisions are based on this data as well as recommendations by the Oklahoma City-County Health Department and the CDC.

What types of face coverings can be worn in Midwest City?

You can wear cloth face masks, towels, scarves and bandanas as recommended by the CDC or Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), an N95, KN95, or other mask that would be appropriate for a health care setting or a surgical mask.

Please note your face covering should fit snuggly on your face and allow you to breathe easily. It should be worn consistent with the guidance provided by the CDC or OSDH. (See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-we...)

What public places/spaces are included in the COVID-19 Safety Code?

Included are all places of public accommodation - places offering items, goods or services for purchase or rent including:

• retail businesses,
• personal services and spas,
• entertainment venues,
• food service facilities,
• restaurants and bars,
• hotels, motels and travel related services,
• professional offices and services,
• banks and financial services,
• repair facilities, and
• motor vehicle dealerships.

Also included are public service areas which are places of public accommodation or educational institutions where employees interact with the public in the normal course of business.

Educational settings also includes any building or facility used for academic and athletic purposes on public school campuses, and any private school or preschool. This does not include the playing surface or any athletic facility during organized activates and practices.

Public settings includes any public place where people congregate including:

• workplaces,
• houses of worship (and their other facilities such a recreation centers, Sunday School classrooms, children’s centers),
• child care facilities,
• hospitals and health facilities,
• gymnasiums and physical fitness facilities, and
• food trucks and other outdoor retail entities.

What are the exceptions to the COVID-19 Safety Code? (Who does not need to wear a face covering or under what circumstances is a face covering not required?)

• Children younger than 10 years of age, unless required by a school or day care to wear face coverings. Wearing a face covering is strongly encouraged for children two years and older;
• Any person who falls into the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for those who should not face coverings due to a medical or mental health condition or developmental disability;  (See https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-fac...)
• Those who are consuming food or drink or who are seated at a restaurant to eat or drink;
• Those who are exercising outdoors or engaging in physical activity outdoors (such as walking a trail, biking, playing golf) and who are maintaining a safe distance from other people not in the same household;
• Those who are performing cardio exercise. However, those exercising should make every effort to practice social distancing from persons not from their own household;
• While in a personal vehicle, personal office, or similarly private space if no one outside of your household is present;
• Private homes;
• Offices and workplaces that are not public service areas where physical distancing between employees and other occupants can be consistently maintained during hours of operation;
• When you are obtaining a service that requires temporary removal of the face covering for security surveillance, screening, or a need for specific access to your face (such as while visiting a bank, or while using a personal care or dental service involving your face) but only temporarily as it is required.
• When you are at a swimming pool, lake or similar body of water or a spray park;
• If you are giving a speech for a broadcast or to an audience;
• If you are performing work in which a face covering could cause or exacerbate a hazard.

Is there a penalty for not wearing a face masks when it is required?

The ordinance does not include a specific penalty but please note that anyone refusing to wear a face covering into a place of public accommodation, educational institution, or public setting can be subject to prosecution under criminal trespass, disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct or similar offenses as the circumstances warrant.

If you have a concern about face coverings not being worn/required in public places you can contact the City's non-emergency number at 739-1388.

Thank you for helping us keep our community safe!

Posted on 7-28-20