WHEREAS, the World Health organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 (Coronavirus) to be a global pandemic; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States has declared an infectious disease national emergency declaration to combat COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the Governor of the State of Oklahoma has declared an emergency by the impending threat of COVID-19 for all 77 Oklahoma Counties; and
WHEREAS, health professionals and researchers have determined that COVID-19 is spread by human interaction; and
WHEREAS, avoidance of human contact through methods such as social distancing is believed to stop the spread of COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, the spread of COVID-19 is a disaster affecting life, health and safety of Walters residents and nonresidents alike; and
WHEREAS, the City of Walters Code of Ordinances along with State Law permit the Mayor of the City of Walters to proclaim that a state of emergency exists within any area of the City; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor issued a supplemental proclamation to said March 23, 2020 declaration on March 31, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE AUTHORITY VESTED IN ME BY THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA, I ROBERTA ELLIS, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF WALTERS DO HEREBY PROCLAIM AND DECLARE:
SECTION ONE: A state of emergency exists within the corporate limits of the City of Walters, Cotton County, Oklahoma.
SECTION TWO: This proclamation shall become effective upon execution by the Mayor on Tuesday 12:01 AM March 31, 2020.
SECTON THREE: Organized gatherings of fifty (50) or more people, excepting political subdivisions and state entities over which the City of Walters has no control are hereby prohibited until the expiration of this emergency declaration. In accordance with guidance from President Trump, residents are further urged to avoid all gatherings of ten (10) persons or more.
SECTION FOUR: All inperson gatherings of more than ten (10) persons for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, including but not limited to community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based or sporting events, parades, concerts, festivals, conventions , fundraisers and similar activities are prohibited until the expirations of this emergency proclamation. Such gatherings of up to ten (10) persons shall require “social distancing” of attendees, (i.e. to provide space of at least 6 feet between attendees).
SECTION FIVE: All bars, taverns, clubs, restaurants, and coffee shops, with the exception of “take out” or “delivery” services by restaurants and coffee shops, shall be closed until the expirations of this emergency proclamation. “Take out” shall mean food taken off premises before consumption. Restrictions for approved “Take out” restaurants shall also require that 6 feet of ‘Social Distancing’ be maintained at all times between patrons and/or that the Take Out is delivered and pair for at “Curbside”. In addition, there shall also be no buffet style or self-serve style food service allowed.
SECTION SIX: All gyms, workout facilities, or athletic venues shall be closed until the expirations of this emergency proclamation. Also ordered closed are Barbershops, Hair Salons, Nail Salons, Tanning Salons.
SECTION SEVEN: The city Manager shall suspend the disconnection of utility service to customers due to non-payment until April 30th, 2020 Customers should still understand they are responsible for their bill and need to keep their account in good standing by paying their bill.
SECTION EIGHT: This state of emergency shall continue until 12:01 A.M. April 30, 2020 or terminated or extended by further proclamation.
SECTION NINE: The measures set forth in this proclamation are cumulative. Proclamations dated March 23, 2020 remain in full force and effect.
SECTION TEN: City Hall will be restricted to employees only. All citizens are encouraged to use the dropbox, on-line payments http://direct.paystation.com/walters-authority and credit card payments over the phone. No visitors will be permitted at the City Hall unless on official city business. This includes police and fire departments. City Hall will close at 5:00 during this time to allow for adequate daily cleaning.
SECTION ELEVEN: All persons should shelter in place. Stay in your homes or place of residence except for working in a critical infrastructure sector, and the conduct of essential errands. Essential errands shall mean those errands which are critical to everyday life and includes obtaining medication, groceries, gasoline, and visiting medical providers. The vulnerable populations are encouraged to use delivery and/or curbside services whenever available.
PROCLAIMED THIS 30th DAY OF MARCH, 2020
/s/Roberta Ellis, Mayor
/s/Sheri Davis, City Clerk