"Based on the data in our state — specifically, the rise in hospitalizations — now is the time to do more. We need to pull together." Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health, 1,544 Oklahomans have died from the virus while 10,481 have been hospitalized. In Washington County alone, 1,685 people have been infected; 43 have died.

To help accomplish this, Stitt outlined the following restrictions for businesses across the state:

"This will allow them to continue to operate safely while making sure everyone is socially distanced," Stitt said. "If they can't stay six feet apart, they can also install properly sanitized dividers between tables, booths and bar areas. The goal is to keep groups separated so we can slow the spread of Covid."

"No in-person service of food or alcohol will be allowed after 11 except for curbside or drive-through windows," he said. "We need to slow the spread of this virus. The data shows that social distancing is harder to maintain as it gets later at night, especially in bars."

"This applies to 33,000 State employees across all State agencies that fall under the executive branch," he said. "A mask will be required for anyone visiting State buildings as well."

Stitt reiterated use of "the three Ws," promoted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention for months: Wear a mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance.

"I continue to encourage Oklahomans to wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance," he said. "I've been saying these for months. They work, and we need your help. From the beginning, I promised Oklahomans to always make the right decisions based on the facts and the data. We've been fully reopened for six months now, but recently we've seen our numbers start to climb ... Based on the data in our state, specifically the rise in hospitalizations, now is the time to do more. We need to pull together.

"Oklahoma, I need your help. But more importantly, our doctors, our nurses, our health care workers and hospitals need your help. What we're announcing today won't last forever, but they're targeted steps that we can do to keep Oklahomans healthy, to keep our businesses open safely, and to keep our kids back in school in person. I need every Oklahoman to think about what they personally can do to help slow the spread: Wear a mask when you're around other people, watch your distance and wash your hands frequently. "

Jim Hopper, president and CEO of Oklahoma Restaurant Association, lent support to the measures on behalf of the restaurant industry.

"On behalf of our membership across the state of Oklahoma, I want to let Oklahomans know that our industry supports the actions taken today by the governor," Hopper said. "We're committed to doing our part as an industry while continuing to operate our businesses safely. The governor has set the example by requiring masks for his State employees. We will follow that example and ask and request that all restaurant workers wear masks."

Dr. Lance Frye, interim commissioner of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, also stressed the importance of distancing, hand washing and mask wearing.

"We know this virus is everywhere," said Frye. "If you think it isn't in your community, you're wrong. It's living among us, all around the country, and we have to take it seriously.

"By now, every Oklahoman has heard us talk about the three Ws: Wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance. These actions aren't trite. Science says they work to slow the spread. The governor has asked us countless times to wear a mask, and it's critical that you do. Masks work."

Frye said masks "are only part of the story," however, and implored Oklahomans to reconsider how they celebrate upcoming holidays.

"If we don't adjust how we gather next week, Christmas could be much worse," he said.

Small things can make a difference, he said, offering the following suggestions:

City Manager Mike Bailey said Executive Order 2020-20 outlining the new restrictions was issued by the governor on Monday. Bailey urged all Bartlesville residents to take safety precautions to mitigate spread of the virus.

"Covid-19 continues to be a serious threat to us all, not only to our health and well-being, but also to our economy and livelihoods and to our health care and medical community," Bailey said. "We must work together as a community to help bring this virus under control. It's going to take every one of us doing our part."

According to the OSDH website, as of earlier today Washington County has had 1,685 cases of Covid-19 with 43 deaths. These numbers include 1,370 cases and 38 deaths in Bartlesville.

"The contractor on the project was scheduled to start mobilizing and notifying residents in the area last week; however, the foreman called yesterday and, due to extenuating circumstances, they likely won't actually get started working until Nov. 30."

Siemers said contract crews could begin mobilizing equipment next week but that work will not begin until after Thanksgiving.

Board applications are located online and in the city manager’s office, located on the second floor of City Hall, 401 S. Johnstone Ave. Applications are kept on file for two years. To view a complete list, see Boards, Committees & Commissions.

For more information, visit the City's website, www.cityofbartlesville.org.

For an application or more information, visit the City's website, www.cityofbartlesville.org.

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Kelli Williams, Editor

401 S. Johnstone Ave.

Bartlesville, OK 74003

918-338-4132