Coronavirus COVID-19

The main topic for the past several weeks has been the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions and mask mandates. Seems more and more cities, counties and states are doing way with their mandatory regulations and rules concerning public health, as it relates to the pandemic. Of course this has caused a lot of heated debate and arguments over the past couple of weeks. Some say it's too early and others are saying it's about time. Now that we have a wide spread COVID-19 vaccine and most of the population is getting vaccinated, we're all wondering when we'll be seeing a return to normal?

Yesterday afternoon (03-23-21) the Lawton City Council met and voted to repeal Lawton's mask mandate, effective immediately. You will no longer be required to wear a face mask or covering while indoors at commercial properties, businesses and other locations in town. The same goes for outdoors at city parks and other "open to the public" general use areas within city limits. Of course with this being a highly controversial issue and opinions running from one extreme to the other it's caused a lot of friction and concern among citizens. Some say it's too soon, others say it should have never been mandated.

Last week Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas would be reopening 100% doing away with their mask mandate and other COVID-19 related restrictions. Yesterday (03-11-22) Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt issued an executive order that would remove any restrictions on live events across the state and he repealed the mask mandate for state buildings. Oklahoma never had a statewide mask mandate, instead it was left up to each individual county and city to decide what they wanted to do. Which Includes Lawton, Fort Sill.

The U.S. House of Representatives just passed the latest stimulus bill "The American Rescue Plan" by a vote of (220 to 211). As predicted the vote fell along party lines without a single Republican voting for the new COVID-19 relief package. The bill has gone back and forth between the House, to the Senate and back to the House. It will now head to the Oval Office to be signed by President Joe Biden. He's expected to sign the new bill later this week, more than likely on Friday, March 12th (03-12-21) maybe even sooner.

There's been a lot of talk and speculation over the past several days about the possibility of more and more states, cities and counties lifting their mask mandates. The conversation started earlier this week when Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he plans on reopening the state 100% over the next couple of weeks. Texas will be doing away with not only their mask mandate, but other COVID-19 rules and restrictions.

Governor Greg Abbott announced yesterday (03-02-21) that the mask mandate in Texas is being lifted and that several other COVID-19 rules and restrictions would be repealed later this week. Gov. Abbott wants to open the state back up 100% and as you can imagine it's caused quite a bit of controversy and concern. Some agree, others disagree. We're finally starting to see COVID-19 numbers drop, but is it too soon?

Starting tomorrow Friday, February 12th (02-12-21) Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies in Lawton, Fort Sill will be offering the COVID-19 vaccinations. All state guidelines and COVID-19 vaccination eligibility phases will be followed.

If you're needing to be tested for COVID-19 you can stop by the Cameron University parking lot on the corner of 38th Street and Gore Blvd. or go to the Comanche County Health Department 1010 S.W. Sheridan Road.

We've seen our friends do it. Maybe you've even done it yourself. Now the BBB is urging people NOT to share their COVID-19 Vaccination Card on social media.

This year's time to midnight is based on the worldwide threat of COVID-19 and society's seeming inability to get it under control.

The goal is to vaccinate everyone as quickly as possible and the WF - Wichita County Public Health District asks for your patience as they do their best to make that happen.

The Superintendent asked if the home team was going to do anything to enforce social distancing. Looks like nothing was going to happen, so no game.