Oklahoma Met With Mask Push Back

The Emergency Proclamation calling for face masks in stores and restaurants in Stillwater, Oklahoma, was nexed after store owners and restaurant owners issued calls.

The decree was given on Thursday. Among other items, the order issued by corporations allows customers to cover their faces in order to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
But on Friday, Mayor Will Joyce relaxed the law to promote, not mandate, cover-ups, following multiple accounts of staff being physically assaulted and threatened with physical assault while attempting to execute the order — all within just three hours of the regulation coming into effect.

“Many of those with objections cite the mistaken belief the requirement is unconstitutional, and under their theory, one cannot be forced to wear a mask. No law or court supports this view,” said City Manager Norman McNickle in a statement. “It is further distressing that these people, while exercising their believed rights, put others at risk.”

McNickle went on to clarify the value of facial coverings to deter coronavirus transmission. The masks were recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

It is unfortunate and distressing that those who refuse and threaten violence are so self-absorbed as to not follow what is a simple show of respect and kindness to others,” he said.