TULSA, Okla. — Local health officials are urging the Tulsans to work to protect the community and their families.
With the holidays approaching, a rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to plague Oklahoma.
READ MORE: Coronavirus in Oklahoma live updates
During a news conference Thursday, Mayor G.T. Bynum called on Tulsans to limit their number of public interactions for 10 days in an effort to save lives and keep the healthcare system afloat.
“I hope that my fellow Tulsans over the next 10 days will join me as a community in supporting our first responders and our medical personnel in this community by taking a break and staying home,” Bynum said.
If COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Bynum said the city won’t have enough people to provide public safety.
The mayor provided the following number of city workers in currently quarantine:
- 79 non sworn workers
- 66 police officers
- 99 firefighters (over 14% of the department)
In another effort to curb the pandemic, Bynum announced the city is shifting back to remote work. He's encouraging all employers in Tulsa to facilitate their employees to work from home as much as possible.
Bynum also emphasized that the City of Tulsa will be enforcing a strict 11 p.m. curfew. This comes after Gov. Kevin Stitt announced all bars and restaurants will close at 11 p.m., except for curbside and drive through windows.
READ MORE: Gov. Stitt announces new actions to help limit the spread of COVID-19 in the state
Bynum also responded to the pictures and video circulating on social media that shows a big crowd at a concert at Victory Church in Tulsa. The concert hosted an estimated 2,500 people.
Bynum said the Tulsa City Council is looking at penalties and changes to prevent the incident from happening again. Council members are expected to talk about the ordinances during a special meeting next week.
WATCH the news conference below.
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