The COVID-19 pandemic is continuing to grow in the state of Oklahoma, with, according to the OSDH, 11,387 new cases, and 46 deaths reported in the week from August 2nd to August 6th, and an increase of 57.2% of active cases. Meanwhile, the state's pediatric bed capacity is FULL due to the also frightening RSV outbreak even without the inevitable surge in pediatric COVID cases that will come with the new school year. 

Parents who wish to get their children vaccinated are unable to do that if the child is under 12. SB658 makes it illegal for local communities and school districts to protect students through requiring that students and school personnel wear masks, unless YOU declare an emergency. Data shows that masks are effective at protecting others from infection - they increase the safety of the school community. This is true for COVID-19 AND RSV. Having our own children wear masks will NOT protect them to the degree that we are able to if everyone does. And the cost of mask wearing are very, very low.  Currently, parents are forced with the dilemma of risking their children's health or exiting the workforce to home school.

Please protect our children and our economy by allowing local communities to assess their own needs and exert local control. Asking our fellow Oklahomans to protect our children voluntarily sadly isn't working. Please return local control to our schools and families! Please protect our children!