Tulsa Leaders Require Masks For Restaurant, Bar Employees To Slow Virus Spread

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Tulsa County spikes, city leaders are seeking to reduce the spread of the virus.

On Thursday, Tulsa Mayor GT Bynum ordered employees at all restaurants and bars to wear masks while working.

Some businesses said they've been doing this for a while now and hope this order will get everyone on board. If you've gone out to eat or get drinks, you've probably noticed many of the staff members serving you are wearing masks.

That's the case at Valkyrie in Tusa. Co-owner Tyler Schilling said they've already been wearing masks and asking customers to do so as they enter or walk around.

"This is something we hope the city would do for four weeks now, and we're happy that they've finally decided to follow the small businesses in town that are doing the right thing," Schilling said.

Schilling said they hope it's not too little, too late.

They're also limiting the seating inside, offering hand sanitizer and masks to those that need it, and Schilling said many other businesses are doing the same things.

"We all want to make sure that people are safe, and more importantly that our staff is safe," Schilling said.

At Mexicali Border Cafe, similar measures are in place. Assistant General Manager Paul Kottler said they've already been social distancing families and workers are wearing masks.

"Anything and everything we can encourage to let everybody know we're trying to keep our employees and customers safe, and keep our business open as well," Kottler said.

He said the new order doesn't change anything for them, but he hopes it'll make a difference across the entire city.

"I definitely think it would be a good thing for everyone to practice, and that way we can get over this hurdle quicker," Kottler said.

City leaders said they're also working with the Tulsa Health Department on a program to give businesses more guidance if they need it.