GUTHRIE, Okla. (KFOR) – Guthrie City Council voted unanimously to amend a city ordinance requiring shelter-in-place.
“We want to do the best that we can for the city of Guthrie, number one, from a public health standpoint, number two, from an economic standpoint,” Mayor Steven Gentling said.
After discussion over Zoom, the council voted to lift the shelter-in-place order and follow the Governor’s plan for reopening businesses.
On city property, no more than ten people are allowed to gather, and everyone has to practice social distancing.
Face coverings are still a requirement in public places where social distancing is difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores.
“We felt strongly from the get-go that wearing a mask was an important part of containing the virus as much as we possibly could. Not only for yourself, but for other people that are in your proximity,” Gentling said.
The amendments go into effect immediately.
Some Guthrie residents say it’s too soon, but others say staying home and wearing masks should be up to each individual.
“I think it’s premature that they’re lifting it this soon,” Don Conry said.
“Wear you mask, if you want to wear your gloves fine, but just wait until they say it can be lifted,” Bina Buford said.
“I still think it should be a choice. My choice, I would still wear on in a public place, but a lot of people don’t believe that, and I think it should be their choice instead of mandatory,” Lyla Garrett said.
A group of citizens filed a lawsuit against the city last week over the shelter-in-place order. Their attorney says they are figuring out how to move forward.
Gentling says he can’t comment on the matter.
