The City of Stillwater is in the midst of an epidemic

Stillwater's community spread of the COVID-19 virus has warranted state health officials to consider Stillwater in the midst of an epidemic. Residents should take all precautions to limit the spread of the disease as identified by CDC Guidelines and regularly check for City, state, and federal updates to stay informed.

Do your part. Show you care. Protect yourself and others.

Wear a mask or face covering

Wash your hands often

Avoid close contact with others

Cover coughs and sneezes

Clean and disinfect

Monitor your health

Businesses

Businesses are required to post signage at all entrances stating that face coverings are required. Download "Face Covering Required" flyer (.pdf) or pick up a printout at the Stillwater Municipal Building, 723 S. Lewis St.

Stillwater is in Phase 3 of the Open Up & Recover Safely Plan (OURS)

» Download the Mayor's Proclamation Declaring State of Emergency August 19

Residents and businesses must follow the below guidelines until Nov. 30, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

City Hall, the Stillwater Community Center and the Stillwater Public Library require the use of face coverings when inside the facility. Read the proclamation.

These procedures and regulations are mandatory and are the minimum standards that such businesses must follow during this declared emergency in the City of Stillwater. These procedures and requirements supersede state-mandated and industry rules and regulations unless the state-mandated or industry rule or regulation imposes a stricter standard of care or practice.

The City asks that once the procedures and regulations are in place for the business to post copies of the checklist in plain view near each public entrance of the business. It is not necessary to submit anything back to the City or any other governmental entity. (See also Oklahoma State Department of Health: Resources & Recommendations.)

» The proclamation also includes the following:

Discouraged Gatherings: Persons are discouraged from gathering in large groups wherein social and physical distancing cannot be maintained. Gatherings are no longer prohibited, but this does not affect occupancy limits and physical distancing requirements established for businesses or other activities.

Shelter in Place recommended but not required for residents age 65 years or older and those with compromised immune systems.

City Hall will open to public access June 1, but parts of the building will remain closed. Residents are still encouraged to conduct business by phone or online if possible. Face coverings are required inside city hall, the Stillwater Community Center, and the Stillwater Public Library.

The Stillwater Community Center and Stillwater Armory open to the public June 1. Limitations apply for meeting rooms and maximum capacity is 50 people. The Stillwater Public Library opens June 8.

All Stillwater park facilities reopen June 1. The swimming pool at Couch Park will remain closed for the summer.

The Stillwater Senior Center will remain closed until further notice. Project Heart will continue delivery and drive-through services until further notice.

A face covering is required for all persons entering any of the essential or nonessential businesses or establishments listed above. Employees should follow the guidelines that correspond to their place of employment. (Ordinance 3452)

» City Hall, City Facilities, City Meetings

The City of Stillwater has reopened the Stillwater Municipal Building, 723 S. Lewis St., for public access beginning June 1. Visitors are required to wear face coverings while on the premises and are asked to follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and hand-washing during their visit.

Although residents will be able to pay bills or conduct other City business in-person, many city services remain available online or by phone. Staff encourages residents to use online options before considering a visit to City Hall. Information is available at the City’s website, Stillwater.org and by phone at 405.372.0025.

The Stillwater Community Center and Armory Gym will reopen June 1 and each facility will be limited to 50 people at a time. The Stillwater Public Library is open, with the meeting wing and the main library being limited to 50 people at a time for each wing. Face coverings are required inside city hall, the Stillwater Community Center, and the Stillwater Public Library.

Park restrooms, shelter rentals, gazebos, pavilions, playgrounds and splash pads are open. However, the park facilities will not be sanitized, so residents are cautioned to use them at their own risk.

The following facilities or services are still closed:

Senior Activity Center is closed.

Project Heart will continue with delivery and drive- thru services at the Community Center.

Swimming Pool at Couch Park is closed.

FAQS : COVID -19 and the Stillwater Community

Do you podcast? We're talking in depth about COVID-19 on FYI Stillwater! Listen in on Apple, Spotify, or online.

1. Face Coverings

1Q1. Why wear face coverings?

Face coverings are required in public spaces by Ordinance No. 3452. Read more.

The CDC cited a recent study that stated a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms. This means that the virus can spread between people interacting nearby—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.

See the CDC's recommendation for face coverings and references to recent studies: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover.html

1Q2. What is an acceptable face covering?

1A2. Acceptable face coverings include R95, P95, dust masks, procedural masks, cotton bandanas, neck gaiters, running buffs and some tightly woven scarves. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.

Those who have the material at home are encouraged to create their own face coverings. Below are links to tutorials on CDC recommended masks:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/coronavirus/_documents/INF2003076_VW_Hand-Sewn%20Mask%20instructions-1.pdf

https://about.kaiserpermanente.org/content/dam/internet/kp/comms/import/uploads/2020/03/02_COVID_Mask-Instructions_v9.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=4aMCFnK5bHk Kaiser

https://buttoncounter.com/2018/01/14/facemask-a-picture-tutorial/

Link to how to make a DIY headband with buttons (to help save ears). Does require sewing & elastic https://www.instructables.com/id/Best-Comfiest-Button-Headband-for-Nurses-and-Other/

2. Organized Gatherings

Persons are discouraged from gathering in large groups wherein social and physical distancing cannot be maintained.

2Q1. Do occupancy limits and restrictions for businesses still apply?

2A1. Gatherings are no longer prohibited, but this does not affect occupancy limits and physical distancing requirements established for businesses or other activities. Citizens should continue to follow CDC distancing and face-covering guidelines.

3. Entertainment Venues

3Q1. Are bars or clubs opening?

3A1. All private clubs, bars, and lounges are permitted to open on with City guidelines and restrictions for operation.

4. Shelter in Place

4Q1. What is the latest shelter in place recommendation?

4A1. All residents age 65 years or older; those with chronic underlying conditions, including chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma, serious heart conditions; those who are immunocompromised, including cancer treatment, smoking, bone marrow or organ transplantation, immune deficiencies, poorly controlled HIV or AIDS, and prolonged use of corticosteroids and other immune weakening medications; those with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or higher); those with diabetes; those with chronic kidney disease undergoing dialysis; and those with liver disease, living within the corporate limits of the City of Stillwater, Oklahoma are encouraged, but no longer required to shelter in place at their place of residence as provided in the April 29, 2020 Proclamation Declaring State of Emergency.

4Q2. I have a home business. Can I serve my customers?

4A2. Yes, you are permitted to reopen. The City has restrictions and guidelines for operation in the latest proclamation.

4Q3: Can I have a yard sale?

4A3: Yes.

5. City Services

5Q1. Is city hall open? I need to pay my bill.

5A1. The Stillwater Municipal Building (City Hall) is open for public access beginning June 1. Visitors are required to wear face coverings while on the premises and asked to follow CDC guidelines regarding social distancing and hand-washing during their visit. Although residents will be able to pay bills or conduct other City business in-person, many city services remain available online or by phone. Staff encourages residents to use online options before considering a visit to City Hall. Information is available at the City’s website, Stillwater.org and by phone at 405.372.0025.

5Q2. My job has been shut down. I can’t pay my City of Stillwater utility bill. What do I do?

5A2. Your utility bill will have to be paid, but City Council acting as the Stillwater Utilities Authority has waived late fees and will not shut off utilities for lack of payment. The City is willing to work with you on a one-on-one basis to establish a payment plan. If you are unable to pay your bill, please contact Utility and Billing Services so a payment plan can be made on your account. Call 405.742.8245.

5Q3. What happens if I have a water leak and need a repair person? What if the repair requires a City of Stillwater permit?

5A3. Utilities are considered essential. Also, city hall is open and permits may be issued. This can be completed by a phone call. Call 405.742.8220.

5Q4. I have business at the Stillwater Fire Administration Office on Main Street. Is it closed?

5A4. Staff are in the office but call 405.742.8308 first. This includes calling for burn permits, car seat installation and rural fire contracts.

5Q5. Which city-owned facilities are closed?

Senior Activity Center is closed.

Project Heart will continue with delivery and drive-thru services at the Community Center.

Swimming Pool at Couch Park is closed.

5Q6. Is the Convenience Collection Center still open for drop-offs?

5A6. Yes, at this time, residents may still drop-off items at the Convenience Collection Center, 807 S. Perkins Rd. It is open for its usual hours.

5Q7. Can I still adopt an animal from Stillwater Animal Welfare?

5A7. The Stillwater Animal Welfare shelter is still open for business, but with a few restrictions on operations. Visitors must be adopting or looking for a lost pet and must call ahead before visiting. For more information, go to http://stillwater.org/news/view/id/551

6. Quality of Life

6Q1. Can I exercise outside?

6A1. Stillwater residents are facing new challenges by restricting their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is still important for them to stay healthy—both mentally and physically. A great way to do this is to go outside and use open outdoor areas of parks and trails.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, here are some best practices for your outdoor time:

Do not use parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to visiting parks or trails.

Stillwater playgrounds, restrooms and fountains are closed.

Share the trail and warn other trail users of your presence as you pass.

Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other persons at all times.

6Q2. Can I use playground equipment or sports courts?

6A2. Park facilities are open, including park restrooms, shelter rentals, gazebos, pavilions, playgrounds and splash pads. However, park facilities will not be sanitized. Residents are cautioned to use them at their own risk.

6Q3. Do I need to buy bottled water?

6A3. As our community takes steps to limit the spread of COVID-19, we understand that our customers are interested in the safety of our drinking water. According to both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Stillwater’s water treatment process will remove and inactivate pathogens, including the virus that causes COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 has not been found in drinking water, and there is no evidence of it spreading through drinking water. It is safe to continue using tap water for normal drinking, cooking, bathing, and hand washing. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that there is no evidence of COVID-19 infection through sewage. City staff will continue to focus on providing critical drinking water and wastewater services to our customers. For more information, visit the CDC, EPA, and WHO websites.

6Q4. What is the Stillwater Regional Airport doing to ensure traveler safety?

6A4. The Stillwater Airport is working in collaboration with TSA and American Airlines to keep facilities clean, sanitized and ensure social distancing. The airport's director has listed specific steps here: http://flystillwaterok.com/page/breaking-news

6Q5. What can I do to keep my home sanitized?

6A5. See below for tips: