Mayor Bynum Issues New Executive Order Ending the COVID-19 Civil Emergency in Tulsa

5/23/2021

• Executive Order 2021-04

Friday, May 20, Mayor Bynum issued a new Executive Order ending the civil emergency in the City of Tulsa related to COVID-19.

The civil emergency will officially end at midnight on Friday, May 21.

Please attribute the following statement to Mayor Bynum: 

“Following consultation with Tulsa Health Department leadership and members of the Mayor-Council COVID Working Group, I have signed an executive order that ends the civil emergency Tulsa has been under since the outset of the pandemic in our community. Our civil emergency will officially end at midnight tonight. 

All of our trends continue to look good following the end of the mask ordinance. In January, over 25% of hospitalizations in Tulsa were COVID patients. On Wednesday, it was 1.1%. 

I remain incredibly thankful for all those who are deploying the vaccine in Tulsa - especially the Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Tulsa Health Department, and the tribal governments in our region - and all who have received it as a way to protect yourselves and our community. Without you, we would not be in a position to take this step as we gradually emerge from the pandemic.”

At the onset of the pandemic on March 16, 2020, Mayor Bynum issued an executive order proclaiming the existence of a civil emergency in Tulsa and restricting events and the maximum numbers of persons that could gather to 50. In April, the Mayor issued a new executive order prohibiting gatherings of any size and requiring Tulsans to stay safer at home.

This citywide effort to keep residents safe amid a global pandemic wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of the Tulsa Health Department, local hospitals and healthcare systems.

“Thank you to all Tulsa County residents for your efforts and sacrifices to save lives and stay safe throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” THD Executive Director Dr. Bruce Dart said. “The Tulsa Health Department continues to support the health, safety and well-being of Tulsa County residents. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free to everyone age 12 and older. Please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to receive the vaccine so our community is better protected.”

The new executive order also ends the submission of COVID-19 Safety Plans to the Tulsa Health Department. This applies to any gathering, including worship service, wedding and venue operation with expected total attendance of 500 or more (previously 150 people or more).