Some Green Country Cities Start To Lift Mask Mandates

Cities across Green Country are starting to reconsider their mask mandates.

The city council in Claremore voted 8-0 Monday night to lift their mask mandate, which was originally set to expire on June 30.

The new change took place immediately and put an end to the city-wide ordinance that required everyone over the age of 10 to wear a mask in public and to social distance.

"The entire purpose of the mask ordinance when it was put into place originally in November was to one, help to alleviate the overloading of the healthcare system," said City Manager John Feary.

Feary said last November, Claremore had high case numbers with ICU beds filling up. Now with lower numbers and more vaccines, he said things have gotten better.

"We felt this was the time to reconsider it and council agreed unanimously," Feary said. 

Claremore isn't alone. Glenpool and Sapulpa also voted Monday night to lift their mask mandates. The City of Claremore said it will still support any businesses that want to require masks

"If they call the city or the police department and say I require masks in my store, they will not leave, we'll come and trespass them off the property," said Feary.

Business owner Bailey Robinson said she won't require customers to wear a mask, but she said her goal is to make customers feel comfortable.

"If a customer walks in with their mask on, we're going to put ours too and make sure that they feel comfortable while they're here shopping," said Robinson.

Feary said just because the mask ordinance has been lifted, doesn't mean it is time to stop all COVID-19 precautions.

"Should not be misconstrued as everybody do what they want. Use good judgment," Feary said.

The City of Tulsa's mask mandate will expire at the end of this month unless action is taken to extend it.