Tulsa City Councilors Connie Dodson and Cass Fahler were in the minority Wednesday night when the City Council voted to approve an ordinance establishing a face covering requirement to slow the spread of COVID-19.
They voted no, the only two members of the nine-person body to do so. Mayor G.T. Bynum signed the ordinance shortly after 9 a.m. Thursday.
In the end, the councilors said, it came down to representing their constituents.
Dodson, District 6, said she appreciated the fact that the council had adopted new language to make the ordinance easier for the public to understand and that it may or may not help to avoid having to shut the city down again.
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“It’s yet to be seen,” she said. “It may or may not.”
Given that the issue was so emotionally charged, Dodson said, she felt obligated to vote on behalf of her constituents, the majority of whom have expressed to her their opposition to the mask requirement.
“I’m here to represent them,” she said.
Fahler, District 5, cited several reasons for his no vote. He said he was concerned the ordinance could slow the economy by causing some consumers to do business in the suburbs. He also pointed to California and Washington state where, he said, new COVID-19 cases have risen significantly after face covering requirements were put in place.
“I believe this is a very slippery slope that, if these numbers don’t improve, what more will we mandate,” he said.
Fahler also said he was concerned about the enforcement burden the ordinance would put on the Police Department.
“Not once has the enforcement ... occurred in this conversation,” Fahler said.
The new requirement creates a no-win situation for officers, he said.
“Either it becomes a low-priority call and they don’t get out in time, the citizen is mad,” Fahler said. “They do get out in time and (enforce the ordinance), the citizen is mad.”
Fahler noted that the Tulsa Health Department earlier this year projected that Tulsa County could have 2,000 deaths and 176,000 COVID-19 cases by August.
“Currently we are building a policy based upon 5,626 cases in Tulsa County,” he said.
Like Dodson, Fahler said it was not his place to go against the will of a majority of his constituents.
“I have had a 3-to-1 majority to oppose this ordinance,” Fahler said. “Tonight I will be voting no.”
COVID-19 basics everyone needs to know as the pandemic continues
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
