Bars, Restaurants To Begin Closing Early Due To Statewide COVID-19 Restriction

Starting on Thursday, bars and restaurants across Oklahoma will be required to close earlier as a part of new restrictions to fight COIVD-19 cases across the state. The new rules are apart of Governor Kevin Stitt's executive order issued earlier in the week.

Thursday, November 19th 2020, 6:06 am

By: News On 6

Starting on Thursday, bars and restaurants across Oklahoma will be required to close earlier as a part of new restrictions to fight rising COVID-19 cases across the state.

The new rules are apart of Governor Kevin Stitt's executive order issued earlier in the week.

Governor Stitt said that the rise in hospitalizations across the state was the main reason for the change.

The rules that take effect on Thursday will require all restaurants and bars to close their doors at 11 p.m. each night, curbside pick-up and drive-thru options will be allowed to stay open. Restaurants will also be required to space tables at least six feet apart unless a divider is used.

News On 6 reached out to several restaurant owners who spent the week preparing for the change and while some say that it could impact their bottom line, others said that it needs to be done to curb the spread of the virus.

Health leaders are reminding people to continue to wear masks, wash their hands and practice physical distancing.