Lawton Mayor Stan Booker said Monday he will expand the city’s emergency closure orders immediately in view of the continuing spread of the coronavirus across Oklahoma.
The mayor said he plans to temporarily shut down nail salons, barbershops, and similar businesses. In addition, City Hall will be closed to the general public, with some exceptions, starting March 23.
Earlier this month the City Council and Mayor Booker adopted a State of Emergency declaration that remains in effect until April 15.
• Although establishing a new water account can be done via email or fax, time or resources may prevent citizens from being able to gain access to needed utilities if in-person visitation is not also afforded. Those needing to set up a new water account may visit Utility Services with needed materials on the first floor of City Hall. Call 580-581-3308 for details about the necessary materials.
• Persons who need to pay their water bill must do so by dropbox (in front of City Hall), by mail, online or by phone. If overpayments are applicable, these will be credited to an account.
During this time, the City of Lawton has suspended disconnects – meaning no water will be shut off for lack of payment – but citizens are still responsible for their bill and associated fees and making payment arrangements.
• Citizens/contractors dropping off building/construction plans that are too large to be transferred digitally may drop them in a labeled box at the front desk of City Hall, 212 SW Ninth Street. Call 580-581-3375 with questions or concerns.
Citizens are encouraged to watch City Council meetings broadcast through cable or on the “Lawton Oklahoma, City Government” Facebook page during this time. Those who attend, due to social distancing requirements, may be asked to observe or listen to the meeting in another part of the facility.
Additional administrative offices across the city, such as that of Parks & Recreation at the Owens Multipurpose Center and the Lawton Arts and Humanities Office at Mc- Mahon Memorial Auditorium, will be closed to the general public and services will be conducted online or by phone.
Contact information for any department can be found at lawtonok.gov/ sites/default/files/publi- cations/2020-03/COL%20 PHONE%20NUMBERS %2020.pdf.
• The City Jail is temporarily closed to all visitors.
• Recreational centers run by the City of Lawton will be closed, and the Lawton Public Library will be closed entirely to the public during this time.
• All in-person gatherings of more than 10 people for social, spiritual and recreational purposes, or similar purposes, are temporarily prohibited. Such gatherings of up to 10 persons shall require social distancing. Mayor Booker called on “the community of faith” to find “creative ways” to safely reach out to the community, such as “streaming” worship services on the internet.
• All bars, taverns, clubs, restaurants, and coffee shops – with the exception of “take out” or “delivery” services by restaurants and coffee shops – shall remain closed until the expiration of the emergency proclamation.
• All gyms, workout facilities, athletic venues and theaters shall be closed during this emergency period.