The city of Stillwater announced new restrictions for bars Wednesday after videos posted to Twitter showed large crowds on the Strip near Oklahoma State University’s campus.
The city announced in a news release that Mayor Will Joyce again amended the city’s emergency proclamation to cut bars’ occupancy to half, mandate socially distant seating and shut down dance floors.
In a tweet after the changes were revealed, Joyce said the changes were meant to set equal restrictions for bars and further remind patrons the importance of social distancing.
“Several local bar owners reached out to me in July to discuss the measures they’ve adopted to keep their patrons safe,” Joyce said in a tweet. “Many of them are already taking precautions similar to what’s in this new declaration, and I appreciate the responsible steps they have taken.
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“But it’s also clear that not everyone is choosing to be safe, so these rules seek to level the playing field. The rules are also designed to reinforce to bar patrons how important it is to wear masks and maintain physical distance.”
The changes came on the heels of videos posted to Twitter early Sunday morning by a reporter with the O’Colly, Oklahoma State University’s independent student newspaper, that showed large crowds on Washington Street and in bars only blocks from campus. Students began in-person, socially distanced classes at Oklahoma State University on Monday.
OSU President Burns Hargis said in a statement the university is thankful for the restrictions.
“We are supportive of limiting interactions that can lead to more infections, and bars are a prime target for that,” Hargis said. “We appreciate the actions taken by the city of Stillwater.”
Wednesday’s rules require bar patrons to be seated at socially distanced tables to consume food or beverages, with no more than 10 people per group. Patrons also won’t be allowed to stand next to occupied tables, and face coverings will be universally required except when consuming food or beverages, according to a news release.
Traditional ordering at the bar is also now prohibited, with bars now reportedly needing a dedicated distanced area for picking up and paying for food and beverages.
“It’s important to remember that our individual actions can affect the community as a whole — so let’s continue to love our neighbors by washing our hands, wearing a face covering and avoiding crowds,” City Manager Norman McNickle said in a news release. “Let’s work together as a community to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.”
Gallery: COVID-19 basics
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
How it spreads, who's at risk
Studies have shown many infected people show no symptoms or have symptoms so mild they may go undetected; those people can still transmit COVID-19 to About 20% of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 require hospitalization.
The disease can be fatal, especially for vulnerable populations: those older than 65, living in a nursing home or long-term care facility, and anyone with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease or obesity.
Science of virus spread
COVID-19 is spread mainly from person to person via respiratory droplets produced by an infected person. Spread is most likely when people are in close contact, within about 6 feet. A person might also be infected with COVID-19 after touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their face. According to the CDC, evidence suggests the novel coronavirus may remain viable for hours to days on surfaces, though that form of transmission is said to be minor.
Transmission between people more than 6 feet from one another may occur in poorly ventilated and enclosed spaces, the CDC says, especially where activities cause heavier breathing, such as singing or exercising.
The infectious period for patients can begin up to 48 hours before symptom onset.
List of symptoms
The CDC recently expanded its list of possible symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms can appear from two days to two weeks after exposure.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms and will continue to be updated by the CDC. One symptom not included is "purple toes," which someone may experience with no other symptoms, sometimes several weeks after the acute phase of an infection is over. The coloration and pain is caused by a lack of blood flow to the toes caused by excessive blood clotting, a late-stage concern with COVID-19 infections.
Kinds of testing
Those getting tested may experience different kinds of swabs. The viral test, known as PCR, involves a deep nasal swab that can be painful.
Other tests that require less-invasive swabs may produce results faster, but with less accuracy. These should not be used diagnostically.
It is not yet known whether COVID-19 antibodies can protect someone being infected again or how long protection might last.
The 'serious seven'
The "serious seven" refer to close contact environments where residents should take extra precautions if they choose to attend. The seven are gyms, weddings, house gatherings, bars, funerals, faith-based activities and other small events, according to Tulsa Health Department Director Bruce Dart.
Treatments being investigated
The FDA has allowed for antiviral drug remdesivir, previously tested on humans with Ebola, to treat more severe cases of COVID-19 in adults and children. Safety and effectiveness aside, preliminary studies have shown it can shorten recovery time for some patients.
After previously approving an emergency use authorization, the FDA as of July 1 cautions against use of hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine for COVID-19 outside of the hospital setting or a clinical trial. A review of safety issues includes reports of serious heart rhythm problems and other safety issues, including blood and lymph system disorders, kidney injuries, and liver problems and failure.
Convalescent serum therapy
Some patients are receiving convalescent serum, meaning the antibodies made by people who have recovered after a COVID-19 infection. Antibody-rich blood plasma is being given to severely or critically ill COVID-19 patients, including Ascension St. John, Saint Francis Health System, OSU Center for Health Sciences and Hillcrest HealthCare System in Tulsa.
From June to July, requests for convalescent plasma from the Oklahoma Blood Institute multiplied seven-fold.
Recovery, as defined by CDC
To be considered recovered (without a test), these three things must happen, the CDC advises:
- No fever for at least 72 hours (three full days of normal temperature without the use of medicine)
- Other symptoms improved (no more cough, etc.)
- At least 10 days since symptoms first appeared
