Oklahoma Health Leaders Warn Of Virus Spread In Bars, Restaurants Ahead Of New Year’s Eve

State medical leaders are warning of further spread of COVID-19 in bars and restaurants as New Year’s Eve approaches. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s 11 p.m. curfew order will not be enforced due to a pending court hearing.

Governor Stitt’s executive order was challenged by some bar owners and was temporarily suspended by an Oklahoma County judge. The state’s ABLE Commission said they will not enforce the order until a decision is made in court.

Bars and restaurants now have the option of staying open late without penalty despite the executive order. Health leaders maintain bars and restaurants are still some of the biggest areas of transmission for COVID-19.

“We know from multiple lines of evidence that bars and restaurants represent people getting this infection because you have to take your mask off,” said Dr. Dale Bratzler, OU Health. “We definitely know that this virus is transmitted in restaurants and bars.”

Other medical leaders encourage people to take part in safer options like carrying out.