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LAST IN THE NATION. WE SHOULD KNOW IN THE DAYS TO COME. NEW TONIGHT. THE CITY OF GUTHRIE -- NOW MANDATING ALL RESIDENTS WEAR A FACE MASK WHEN GOING OUT IN PUBLIC. THE CITY COUNCIL MAKING THAT DECISION TODAY. IT TAKES EFFECT AT 11:59 P-M TONIGHT... AND IS IN EFFECT UNTIL MAY

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During an emergency meeting Monday, the Guthrie City Council voted unanimously to amend the city's emergency declaration to issue a shelter-in-place order and for residents to wear cloth face masks when they leave their homes. The emergency order states that Guthrie residents must shelter at their place of residence and may only leave for essential activities, which include: to engage in activities or perform tasks essential to their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family, household members, or pets (for example, obtaining medical supplies or medication, visiting a health care professional, obtaining supplies needed to work from home, or perform property maintenance);to obtain necessary services or supplies for themselves, family, household members, or pets or to deliver those services or supplies to others (for example, food and beverage, pet supply, and any other household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences;to engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals, except household members, shall follow social distancing and group size guidelines issued by the CDC (for example, walking, biking, hiking, or running);to perform work at an essential business;to care for or transport a family member or pet in another household;to move to another residence either in or outside the limits of the City of Guthrie;to otherwise carry out activities specifically permitted in this Ordinance.The Guthrie City Council has defined an essential business as those identified by Gov. Kevin Stitt as a critical infrastructure sector, including critical government workers as defined by the government employer.People also will be required to wear a cloth face mask when making public outings for essential activities and/or work.Do not buy medical masks. They're needed on the front lines of the COVID-19 Pandemic.Cloth face coverings aren't primarily to protect you. They're primarily to protect you from accidentally infecting others. They keep germs closer to your body, instead of going onto a surface that someone else touches later -- even if that person is wearing a mask.Many infected people take a long time to develop symptoms, or never do. If they wear cloth face coverings for outings, it'll slow down COVID-19.If everyone does this, it will work.Police officials posted to social media that the ordinance doesn't include places such as people's cars and houses, but includes areas such as grocery stores, Walmart, Cash Saver, convenience stores, doctors offices and pawn shops and while exercising outdoors."This is a major shift for our City. Our officers will be taking a gentle but firm approach with the issue," Guthrie Police Department officials said. "Wearing your mask prevents you from spreading any contaminants you may potentially have. Essentially, you are looking out for the welfare of those around you. The expectation is that they will do likewise."The amended emergency declaration also suspends gatherings of 10 or more people within city limits. The full amended emergency order can be read here.