El Reno residents need to wear a face mask if they are in public and interacting with others, or possibly face a $100 fine. Also, there are three current cases of COVID-19 in El Reno, with one death reported.

That was the COVID-19 news coming out of Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Mayor Matt White, along with council members Tracey Rider and Bob Ballhorn, convened in the council chambers at the Municipal Building.

All were wearing masks during the meeting as were city staff who were on hand. Vice Mayor J.T. Chronister and council member Tim Robinson participated through teleconference as did some individuals who were involved with items on the agenda.

Council unanimously approved a $100 fine that could be levied against citizens who refuse to wear a face mask when interacting with the public.

White said during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s imperative that people work together to help protect themselves as well as others. White said the action taken by the council will put “some teeth” into the ordinance.

White said the municipal government is “not looking” to infringe on people’s rights, but the worldwide pandemic has to be “taken seriously” so life can return to normal as soon as possible.

“This is something the president of the United States and the governor of Oklahoma are taking seriously and we need to do the same,” White said.

White, also serving as acting city manager, praised several businesses for asking customers to wear masks when entering their stores. He said United Supermarket, Ross Seed and Walgreens were taking the lead in helping to protect customers and employees.

White wasn’t as generous to Walmart, but said he is hopeful the retail giant will follow suit.

White said fines could eventually be levied against businesses if they don’t enforce a mask policy for customers. He compared it to the “no shirt, no service” policy many stores have had in place for decades.

White said the ordinance does not pertain to people working in their yard, walking through their neighborhood, playing golf or fishing.

He said it’s for those people who simply refuse to wear a mask when interacting with the public.

White said COVID-19 has claimed one life in El Reno and three other possible cases are being monitored. He said an elderly woman lost her life to the virus.

In Canadian County, three deaths have been attributed to COVID-19, with 63 confirmed cases as of Wednesday.