ALTUS – On Thanksgiving, with the increasing spread of COVID-19 throughout the city, county and state, officials took precautions to stem the tide by issuing emergency orders during the holiday.
Municipal Judge John M. Wampler issued emergency judicial orders to limit the number of people coming into the Altus Municipal Court.
Under Wampler’s orders, the prospect of jail time has been taken away for certain minor offenses, stating all traffic and violations that do not have a penalty of a possible jail sentence will be dismissed by the court upon full payment of fines, costs and expenses associated with the violation.
Also, while bonds can be posted in the normal court procedure, convictions will not be reported while the executive order is in effect.
“Those charged with a violation covered by this order do not need to appear in court in person if proper arrangements have been made with through the Altus Municipal Court Clerk,” said Wampler.
The orders will remain in effect until further notice.
Also, Altus Mayor Jack Smiley released a list of executive emergency orders and recommendations.
Many of the restrictions were first put into effect earlier this year when the COVID-19 pandemic first erupted in the area.
“In response to the significant increase in confirmed cases of COVID-19, along with COVID-19 related hospitalizations that are overwhelming our local hospital, City of Altus Mayor Jack Smiley just issued the attached emergency Orders, which will go into effect on November 26,” said Tyler Clinton Mott, Communications and Special Projects Coordinator.
Facial coverings are mandated in all indoor public areas including retail shops, restaurants, bars, houses of worship and any other business serving the public within the Altus city limits and all city facilities.
According to the executive order, all businesses are required to enforce this mandate and report any citizen who refuses to comply. Face coverings must also be worn in all outdoor public areas at all times when social distancing of at least six feet is not possible to maintain.
Exceptions include children under five, restaurant and bar patrons while they are eating and drinking as well as persons who are exempt under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Bars and restaurants will be limited to 50% of the establishment’s total capacity. And unless an entire table is part of the immediate family, they can have no more than six people at one sitting.
No establishments may serve food or alcohol after 11 p.m. Violation of the emergency orders is considered a misdemeanor and could be punishable by a fine up to $750, including costs of imprisonment or both.
City parks are being kept open, but playgrounds, recreation, and fitness areas are closed to the public.
Smiley also provided a list of recommendations to Altus residents that health officials have been promoting throughout the pandemic. He also encourages all residents to follow CDC and state Department of Health guidelines.
“Do not threaten, intimidate or harass people in isolation or quarantine,” Smiley stated. “We must work together as a community to stop the spread of COVID-19.”