Tulsa mayor orders bars, restaurants closed

TULSA — In another major escalation of the ban on public gatherings, the city of Tulsa has ordered all bars and restaurants in the city limits to close until further notice.

Mayor G.T. Bynum issued the order Tuesday; it becomes effective at midnight.

At a news conference announcing the order, Bynum talked about making the difficult decision.

“I hate the impact that I think this will have on our city. That's what makes it such a hard decision,” the mayor said. “But the impact of spreading this virus and overwhelming our healthcare system is a worse option.”

He stressed that the order does not include "grocery stores, pharmacies, food pantries, daycares, crisis shelters, soup kitchens, etc.”

You can read the entire executive order HERE.