City Of Norman Urging Residents To Be Cautious Amid St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

Though several Oklahomans are still being impacted by the pandemic, some are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

This time last year, some of Norman's first COVID-19 restrictions were put in place, impacting several bars and restaurants who count on St. Patrick’s Day events.  

At the time, the City of Norman announced limited capacity for indoor public spaces right before the holiday. 

"We decided to go with 50 people and let them in for 90 minutes and turn the crowd over for 90 minutes," said Jeff Stewart, manager of O'Connell's.

For O’Connell’s and others, it was a financial burden.  

"Last year the whole day could really fit into one hour of a regular St. Patrick's Day," said Stewart. "Both in number of clientele and economics." 

However, Stewart said they’re more optimistic this year. Bars and restaurants are still at 50% capacity, but the City, along with Campus Corner, decided to block off part of Asp Avenue to expand the event outside.

"Overall, we really approached it similar to how we were approaching gamedays," said Annahlyse Meyer, with the City of Norman. "A lot of those same precautions are in place."

As COVID-19 cases are on the decline, Oklahomans are not out of the woods yet. City officials are still urging everyone to take the necessary precautions, as the City has seen more than 13,000 cases and over 140 deaths in the past year.   

"We're really in the home-run stretch of this," Meyer said. "We all need to work together and continue doing the things that have gotten us to this point to get over the finish line."