Norman To Issue New Restrictions To Combat COVID-19 Spike

The City of Norman is issuing new COVID-19 restrictions to battle the recent spike in cases, the city said in a news release.

Norman Mayor Breea Clark will sign a proclamation announcing new restrictions which will go into effect on Monday, Nov. 30.

The order will reduce capacity of restaurants, bars and fitness center facilities, limit the size of organized gatherings, and require safety protocol for organized indoor sporting events.

“We are asking our healthcare professionals and first responders to work shift after shift as all of our numbers are skyrocketing. They are emotionally and physically exhausted, and it’s past time to take action and show them they’re not alone in the fight against COVID-19,” Clark said. “The initial Stay at Home Order was issued back in March after we saw one death in our community. We have now seen 70; our friends, our neighbors, our veterans, our educators. The path we are currently on has proven gravely unsuccessful, and it’s time to change course.”

The three-day rolling average of new cases reached its highest point on Nov. 23 with 125 cases per day, and the seven-day rolling average of new cases reached its highest point ever on Nov. 24 with 93.9 cases per day.

The new restrictions include:

1. The capacity of all restaurants, bars and fitness center facilities, as set by the Fire Department, shall be reduced by 50%;
2. Organized gatherings shall be limited in size to no more than 50 people and shall be conducted at all times in compliance with Sections 10-1102 and 10-1103 of the City Code related to facial coverings;
3. Organized indoor sports shall only be conducted in accordance with the following protocol:
4. Take temperatures of each person prior to entry of the facility;
5. Spectator limit of one person per athlete;
6. All coaches, game officials, staff, and spectators to wear a mask at all times;
7. Require athletes to wear a mask when not actively participating in the game or practice;
8. Close all concession areas;
9. Eliminate interaction with the opposing team(s) prior to and after each game; and
10. Eliminate award ceremonies at the event.

Click here to learn more about the City of Norman's coronavirus proclamation.