Oklahoma City mask ordinance extended until Oct. 20

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — A mask mandate in Oklahoma City is being extended by six weeks in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The City Council on Tuesday extended the requirement that those 11-years-old and older wear masks while indoors in public places from Sept. 8 until Oct. 20.

Among the exempt are those who work in offices with no face-to-face interactions, diners while eating and drinking, those engaged in sports or cardio exercise, and those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Oklahoma City had a reported 11,222 total virus cases as of Tuesday, the highest among cities in the state, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

A mask ordinance in Tulsa, which had the second-most reported cases at 9,124, is to expire Nov. 30.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said Tuesday that he will not issue a statewide mask mandate.

The health department on Wednesday reported 60,118 virus cases and 821 deaths due to COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus, increases of 719 confirmed cases and 12 additional deaths from Tuesday.

The actual number of cases in Oklahoma is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.