LAWTON — Anyone entering the Comanche County Courthouse must wear a mask at all times, according to a renewed mandate issued by county commissioners.
Masks will not be available to the public at the courthouse. Anyone who enters the courthouse must have their own mask or they will not be allowed into the building, the commissioners ordered.
Although the courthouse will be open for business, social distancing rules and temperature checks will remain in place.
County Commissioner Johnny Owens said the decision to reinstate the courthouse mask mandate was made because of the spike in COVID-19 cases. As of Sept. 15, Comanche County had 635 active COVID-19 cases, according to figures from the Oklahoma State Department of Health. Hospitals have reported they remain at full capacity and most COVID-19 patients are unvaccinated.
“We’re being cautious for the safety of the public and employees at the courthouse,” Owens said. “We want people to understand we’re not closing the courthouse, but everyone will need a mask and this will be for everybody.”