El Reno mayor Matt White updated his State of Emergency Proclamation Wednesday to add what he calls more “teeth” to the city’s fight to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

“It’s similar to what we are doing now, but here are some differences. We looked at what Guthrie, Yukon and Oklahoma’s City and what they were doing and then tailored it to us right now. We can add or subtract things depending on how this works,” said White.

The main difference from his first proclamation dated March 16 is the city is asking all residents to shelter in place.

Section 1 of the update says: “Residents shall stay in their homes or place of residence except for working in a critical infrastructure sector, as more particularly described herein, and the conduct of essential errands. Essential errands shall mean those errands which are critical to everyday life and includes obtaining medication, groceries, gasoline and visiting medical providers. All Residents are encouraged to use delivery and/or curbside services when available.”

White said he is not calling for a curfew nor do residents need any sort of papers to travel outside.

“We are not trying to make it difficult but we had to put some teeth into this to make it more important. We don’t feel like it’s infringing on people’s rights, we are just trying to make people more responsible. We have to do what is right in El Reno to keep everyone safe,” said White.

Residents will also be required to wear masks in public. Section 11 says: “All residents are strongly urged to wear a face mask, handkerchief, or other protective covering to cover the mouth and nose when in public places.”

White said the face mask section is mandatory.

“We are making it mandatory. We are telling people to wear it. You don’t have to go out and buy a mask. It can be a shirt or a bandanna as long as it covers the mouth and nose,” said White.

Masks are to be worn in public buildings or stores.

“You don’t have to wear a mask if you are cutting the grass or out jogging. We just ask you use social distancing in those places,” said White.

A third change is Section 12 which pertains to the number of customers in establishments that have remained opened under Gov. Kevin Stitt’s order for essential businesses.

The section reads: “All businesses within the City Limits are strongly urged to limit the number of customers inside their store or place of business in order to decrease the chances of exposure to COVID-19. This also includes the practice of Six (6) feet of distancing in cashier lines, eliminating clustering or groups of people within stores or places of business. NO MORE THAN ONE PERSON PER 200 SQUARE FEET (THIS INCLUDES CUSTOMERS AND EMPLOYEES.)

White said other changes to the proclamation include:

▶ Shop alone. If you have a family with two people or more don’t take the entire family or kids. Send one person to shop.

▶ Instructs businesses to designate a time each day for vulnerable people or those with an existing medical condition to be able to shop outside of the general public.

▶ Lake and trails will remain open but users must remain six feet apart.

▶ Crimson Creek Golf Course will remain open to only El Reno residents and annual pass holders. Groups must be five or less and must practice social distancing at all times. Cart riders will be limited to one person unless in the same household. Personal carts must follow social distancing guidelines.

▶ Legion Park tennis courts will be limited to two players per court and all players must follow social distancing guidelines.

▶ Sand volleyball court at Lake El Reno will be limited to four players at one time and all surrounding residents must follow social distancing guidelines.

▶ All city-owned playground equipment is off limits and is not to be used.

▶ Skate park and disc golf course inside Adams Park will remain open but social distancing guidelines must be used.

White said the El Reno City Council will meet April 14 to determine and approve any fines that will be issued for violators of the emergency order.

“We don’t want to have to write tickets.” Said White.

The updated order will remain in place until April 30 or until it’s extended or terminated.

Webmaster’s Note: This article has been updated and corrected (city council meeting date).